Cleveland Indians: Kenny Lofton returned ten years ago today

Kenny Lofton holds a special place in the hearts of many Clevelanders, and his 2007 return solidified his place in Cleveland Indians lore.

Ten years ago, July 27, 2007, the Indians needed outfield help so they traded minor league catcher Max Ramirez to the Texas Rangers. In exchange, the Indians had another reunion with Kenny Lofton.

Lofton began playing baseball two years before I was even born. By the time I was ten, this speedy center fielder was by far my favorite player in the MLB, but that meant rooting for a slew of teams in the playoffs. Lofton got very close to that World Series ring almost every year with different teams, but it always eluded him.

At age 40, his career looked to be winding down, but the Indians were ready to make a final push for the division.

The trade for Lofton would prove to be just what the doctor ordered.

In 52 games for Cleveland that year, Lofton hit .283. He then went on to hit .375 in the ALDS. He only hit .222 in the ALCS, but he had a huge home run to help the Indians win Game 3.

Before the Indians blew their 3-1 game lead, it looked as though Lofton was headed back to the World Series. Instead, Joel Skinner held up Lofton at third base in one of the worst third base coach decisions ever. This led to the Indians collapse in the game and the season, and Lofton’s career ended.

The abrupt ending to Lofton’s career is sad, but that doesn’t change the magnitude of what this trade meant to so many Cleveland fans. Lofton was not just a player for the Tribe. He’s an icon of what it means to have fun while playing baseball.

A few weeks before the trade occurred, my dad told me, “They need an outfielder. They’re going to get Lofton back.”

The moment I learned of the trade, I phoned him at work and told him what had happened. He immediately said, “We’re going.”

With Grady Sizemore in center field, Lofton was slated to play left field, so we went to the box office and asked for anything down the line. Fate would have it that two seats were open in the front row.

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Armed with my “Welcome Home Kenny” sign and a smile on my face, I marched to my seat and got a chance to talk to my hero. He autographed my sign and I made it on the screen twice with it (accompanied by huge cheers from the stands).

In his second at-bat back in Cleveland, Lofton bunted for a single. The crowd was absolutely electric during his entrance into the batter’s box, but when this happened, the stadium shook.

That was the day the 2007 team took shape and became a true contender.

Lofton will forever hold a special place in baseball to me.

Jim Thome is now the name people remember when they think of the 90s Indians (thanks to a statue some say should be wearing a Philadelphia Phillies hat), and he will make it to Cooperstown shortly, but to me, Lofton is the guy who made the Tribe into who they are.

Lofton never got his ring and he was ousted from the Hall of Fame ballot on the first try, but to me, he was and is the epitome of the Cleveland Indians and baseball.

Next: 5 best first-round picks in Indians history

The 2007 trade was 10 years ago, but it still gives me chills every time I think about seeing my hero step in the batter’s box once again wearing a Tribe uniform.