Cleveland Indians Top Ten All-Time Pitchers

#4 RHP Bob Lemon

Another member of the “Big Four” rotation who will never be forgotten is right-hander Bob Lemon. Lemon was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976, after a career spent entirely with the Cleveland Indians.

His career actually began in 1941, when he made appearances as a utility man for the Tribe in five games. In 1943, he left baseball to serve in the United States Navy during World War II, and spent three years away from the game.

When Lemon returned, he quickly became a pitcher rather than a position player. In fifteen years with the Indians – thirteen of them on the mound – Lemon averaged a 3.23 ERA, with a 207-128 record and 1277 strikeouts. He led the league in innings pitched four times, and five times he had the most complete games of any pitcher.

Lemon was also a seven-time All-Star, a three-time AL wins leader, and a one-time AL strikeout leader in 1950. The right-hander helped the Indians in their quest for a World Series in 1948, and he also led the New York Yankees to their 1978 Championship as a manager.

On June 30, 1948, Lemon became the ninth pitcher in Tribe history to record a no-hitter, as he defeated the Detroit Tigers 2-0 in a shutout victory. His 48 career WAR is ranked sixth among Indians players, and in 1998, the team retired his number 21.

Next: All-Time Best Pitchers: #3