Cleveland Indians: Top Five Second Basemen of All-Time

Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

#2: Joe Gordon

Joe Gordon served a huge role on the 1948 champion Cleveland Indians. He played elite defense while providing the Indians with power from an unlikely position. Not only did he dominate in the regulate season, as shown by his fWAR of 7.1, but he also gave the Indians the lead in two of World Series games. In another impressive feat, his seven double plays during that six game series remains the record.

1948 was a microcosm of both his time with the Indians and his overall career. During four seasons with the Tribe, he batted .262/.354/.463 with 100 home runs. Only Carlos Baerga hit more home runs than the right-handed Gordon, and Gordon’s slugging percentage was consistently one of the best in the American League. This led to his nine All-Star appearances, three of which came as a member of the Cleveland Indians, and American League MVP award in 1942 as a member of the New York Yankees. These awards culminated in an induction into the Hall of Fame in 2009.

Another part of Joe Gordon that many forgot was his friendship with Larry Doby. Larry Doby was the first African-American player in the American League, and many reporters, fans, and players abused him because of the color of his skin. This hatred came not only from opposing players but members of his team, and, as Joe Morgan of ESPN recounted in 2003, most of the Indians refused to shake his hand and ignored him. Joe Gordon, however, befriended Doby and included him in team affairs. As Doby would later tell, Gordon’s acceptance and friendship helped to make Doby’s transition to the MLB easier.

Finally, we reach the best second baseman of all-time for the Cleveland Indians…

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