The Best They Could Be: How The Cleveland Indians Became The Kings Of Baseball, 1916-1920: Meet The Author At Lakewood Public Library

Before they became the Cleveland Indians in 1915, they were the Cleveland Molly McGuires. Yes, the Molly McGuires. And sadly, they were a laughingstock with a losing record. How this nearly defunct team reemerged with a new name and rallied to win the 1920 World Series is the subject of Scott H. Longert’s latest book, The Best They Could Be: How the Cleveland Indians Became the Kings of Baseball, 1916-1920. The local author and historian is visiting Lakewood Public Library to talk about this dramatic era of Cleveland baseball on Wednesday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium.

The Cleveland Indians were making a brilliant comeback as World War I loomed, but that all ended when America joined the conflict and many ball players joined the army. After the war, they returned to a winning team that was leading the pennant race when tragedy struck again.

Cleveland Indian’s shortstop Ray Chapman was fatally wounded by a pitch from Yankee pitcher Carl Mays, taking his regrettable place in history as the only baseball player to be killed in a major league game. Chapman’s family, the team and the city suffered through their grief. Wearing black armbands in honor of Chapman, the team rallied again and emerged champions, winning the 1920 World Series.

Please join the always informative and entertaining Scott H. Longert as he discusses this action-packed era of Cleveland Indians history and his latest book, The Best They Could Be: How the Cleveland Indians Became the Kings of Baseball, 1916-1920 on September 11 at 7 p.m. Books will be available for sale and signing at the event.