World Series/Presidential Election And Other Notes

A rare update on the “12 ‘offs teams/4 rounds,” diluted 2023 baseball, is mention of the (52-53) record of the Cleveland Guardians, nee Indians, who have a chance but are unlikely to title for the first time in 75 years.

Perhaps, Terry Francona, their manager should become a player manager and maybe next year in a presidential election year, Cleveland will triumph. (Of course Francona will not become a player manager nor will anyone else).

I cite such, as the only two Cleveland World Series crowns came in presidential election years and with player managers at the helm.

The great Tris Speaker managed the 1920 Indians, who overcame the tragic death of Ray Chapman, who died a day after he was hit by a pitch on August 16th,1920 (Elvis Presley and Babe Ruth, as noted here more than once, died on August 16th, 29 years apart in 1977 and 1948 respectively) while Lou Boudreau guided the title winning, the last such, Cleveland team in 1948.

Pictured as a Boston Red Sox player above, Lou Boudreau hit two home runs in Cleveland’s one game playoff (8-3) win at Boston that gave the then Indians the 1948 pennant.

In a game 6 at the Boston Braves, Cleveland last won a World Series crown in 1948.