Cleveland Indians All-Time Top 20 Hitters in Franchise History

#5: Joe Jackson

Shoeless Joe Jackson is best known for his fateful role in the Black Sox Scandal, which is why he’s not in the Hall of Fame, and is often left out of discussions about the greatest athletes of all time. But prior to being dealt to the White Sox, Jackson was a superstar for the Indians.

After making his debut with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1908, a 22-year-old Jackson was dealt to the Naps for the 1910 season. In 1912, he led the league in hits and triples, and in 1913, he led in hits and doubles.

Shoeless Joe was a man of many talents. Although his career lasted 13 years, his time with the Indians was the most memorable in terms of on-field performance. In six years with the Indians, he swiped 138 bases and hit 24 home runs, as well as hitting 937 hits. His final line as an Indian was .375/.441/.542, and had he not ended his career with the Black Sox Scandal, he might have gone on to be one of the best players in the history of the game.

Despite playing only six years with the Indians, Jackson holds the franchise record for batting average, is ranked second in on-base percentage, and is tied for fifth place in slugging percentage. This gives him the second-highest OPS of any Indians player, behind only Manny Ramirez. It’s disappointing that he’ll never be able to get the credit he deserves for incredible performances he turned in as a member of the Tribe.

Next: Top 20 Hitters: #4