Cleveland Indians Top Ten All-Time Pitchers

#8: RHP Mike Garcia

Right-hander Mike Garcia signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1942, but his major league debut came much later and included an interruption while he served in the United States Army for three years during World War II. After his return, Garcia debuted shortly before the Tribe started the 1948 World Series, but he did not pitch in the playoffs.

Garcia spent time both as a reliever and a starter, and had a reputation for being athletic despite his size. He pitched as a part of the “Big Four”, which included Bob Feller, Early Wynn and Bob Lemon – and was the only pitcher of the group not to be elected to the Hall of Fame. The 1950s Indians’ rotation is widely regarded as one of the best rotations of all time, and Garcia is an often-forgotten part of it.

The right-hander was a three-time All-Star, and twice led the American League in ERA. Garcia also was among the top-ten pitchers in WAR in 1949, and again each season from 1951 to 1954. He threw a fastball and a curveball, which helped him to be a top-ten pitcher in strikeouts from 1951 to 1955, as well as lead the league in shutouts twice. Perhaps most impressively, Garcia was the AL leader in FIP four times as well.

Altogether, this former Indians’ great spent 12 years with Cleveland before finishing his career with one-year stints with the Chicago White Sox and finally the Washington Senators. There’s no explanation for why he didn’t make the Baseball Hall of Fame cut even though his teammates did, but Garcia was inducted into the Indians’ franchise Hall of Fame in 2007.

Next: All-Time Best Pitchers: #7