subject: Cleveland Indians Tickets For A Day At Progressive Field [print this page] Do you know your Cleveland Indians history? If not, you can find out some interesting facts about this time that has been around almost longer than the sport of baseball itself. Earliest recollections give credit to the Grand Rapids Rustlers in 1894 as how this team got their start. The official Cleveland name came along in 1990 when they changed their name to the Cleveland Lake Shores.
A year later, in 1901, the team would change names again. This time, to the Cleveland Bluebirds and with no major league titles to speak of, this second name change didn't last long either. In 1902, a third name change to the Cleveland Bronchos was unofficial but held for a year. On the same time frame, the team name changed to the Cleveland Naps in 1903. The lasting change of names for this team was in 1915 when the name Cleveland Indians was chosen and has stuck to the team since. Team colors are navy blue, red and white and the Indians have been members of the American League since 1901 and the Central Division since 1994.
Retired numbers to date include 3, 5, 14, 18, 19, 21, 42 and 455. Known by nicknames such as "The Tribe" and "The Wahoos", the Indians have won many major league titles since the start of things. Although the Indians went through a slump that lasted 30 years from 1960 to 1993, they have a long list of titles now to their credit. Starting with the World Series, won by the Indians in 1920 and 1948, the same two years, they also won American League Pennants for their performances on the field. Additional American League Pennants have been won by the Indians in 1954, 1995 and 1997. Central Division titles were awarded to the Indians in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2007.
Although Cleveland may not be regarded by some as being majorly a competitor in Major League baseball, there is no question that the Indians have worked throughout their history to hold their own. Proof lies, in part, in the support from fans in 1995 that set a record for the most sold out home games. In total, fans came to home games and created sold out events for a staggering 455 games; a winning show of support that lasted almost six years.
The long list of Cleveland Naps and Cleveland Indians who have been inducted into the hall of fame is a testament to the great spirit and skill of the players who have worn the Indians uniform. Names most commonly recognized include Nap Lajoie, Cy Young, Al Lopez, Lou Boudreau, Joe Sewell and Early Winn; to name a few of the greats on permanent recognition in the Hall of Fame.
Located at 2401 Ontario Street in downtown Cleveland, Ohio is Progressive Field; home of the Cleveland Indians. Originally named Jacobs Field from 1994 when it opened to 2007, Progressive Field has a seating capacity of 43,515. Progressive Field has a little history of its own, including the 1990 approval by voters of a 15-year tax on cigarettes and alcohol that financed the new complex. In 1994 when the stadium was opened, President Bill Clinton was in attendance to throw out the first pitch. The Indians won their first game against the Seattle Mariners 4-3.
Upgrades to Progressive Field included installation of a 36 foot high, 149 foot wide video board in 2004; the largest of its kind at the time. Heritage Park became the destination for the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame which honors the top 100 Cleveland Indians players. During an October game in 2007, insects distracted the pitcher and a player was walked, creating what would always be referred to later as the "Bug Game".
