Cleveland Indians: Ranking Terry Francona among the team’s best managers

5. Al Lopez

Coming in at No. 5 is Al Lopez, who coached the Indians from 1951-1956.

His best season came in 1954 when his team won 111 games en route to capturing the AL pennant. Unfortunately, Willie Mays and the New York Giants won four straight over the Indians in the World Series.

Lopez remained in town for two more seasons after the World Series loss, but was unable to reach the postseason again. The team would not return to the postseason until 1995.

Lopez never won a postseason game with the Indians, given the fact the World Series was the only playoff series in 1954, but he does rank fourth in team history with 570 wins. His .617 winning percentage also ranks first in team history among those who coach in a full-time role.

Not winning a World Series or any postseason games may lead to Lopez’s name fading away as time goes on, but he oversaw the best regular season in team history back in 1954. Indians fans thought the team’s 102 wins in 2017 were special, but Lopez’s team won 111 in just 154 total games.

Lopez is in the Hall of Fame and belongs in the discussion of one of the best to oversee an Indians dugout.