Harold Douglas Baines is an American former designated hitter and right fielder in Major League Baseball who played for five American League (AL) teams from 1980 to 2001, and is best known for his three stints with the Chicago White Sox. A Maryland native, he also played seven years with his hometown team, the Baltimore Orioles, over three separate periods. The first overall selection in the 1977 Major League Baseball Draft and a six-time All-Star, Baines led the AL in slugging percentage in 1984. He held the White Sox team record for career home runs from 1987 until Carlton Fisk passed him in 1990; his total of 221 remains the club record for left-handed hitters, as do his 981 runs batted in (RBI) and 585 extra base hits with the team. His 1,688 hits and 1,643 games as a DH stood as major-league records until David Ortiz broke them in 2013 and 2014. He also held the mark for career home runs as a DH (236) until Edgar Martínez passed him in 2004.
Aaron John Boone is an American baseball manager and former infielder who is the manager of the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played in MLB for 13 seasons from 1997 to 2009. As a player, Boone is most recognized for his 2003 campaign with the Yankees, during which he hit the winning walk-off home run of the 2003 American League Championship Series.
Víctor Jesús Martínez, also known by his nickname "V-Mart", is a Venezuelan former professional baseball designated hitter and catcher. Martínez played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, and Detroit Tigers. After joining the Tigers, he played mostly as a designated hitter.
James Howard Thome is an American former professional baseball corner infielder and designated hitter, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 22 seasons (1991–2012). He played for six different teams throughout his career, most notably the Cleveland Indians. A prolific power hitter, Thome hit 612 home runs during his career—the eighth-most all time. He amassed a total of 2,328 hits and 1,699 runs batted in (RBIs). His career batting average was .276. He was a member of five All-Star teams and won a Silver Slugger Award in 1996.
Terrence Jon Francona, nicknamed "Tito", is an American former baseball manager and player who was the manager of the Cleveland Indians/Guardians in Major League Baseball (MLB) for eleven seasons. Previously, he was the manager of the Boston Red Sox for eight seasons, whom he led to two World Series titles, ending the franchise's 86-year championship drought.
Covelli Loyce "Coco" Crisp is an American former professional baseball outfielder and MiLB team manager. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals, and Oakland Athletics. While primarily a center fielder throughout his career, Crisp also played left field for the Athletics and during his stints with the Indians. With the Red Sox, he won the 2007 World Series over the Colorado Rockies. He served as manager of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers of the MLB Draft League in 2021.
Jason Drew Michaels, nicknamed "J-Mike", is an American retired Major League Baseball outfielder. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Houston Astros.
Ryan Francis Garko is an American former professional baseball outfielder, first baseman, and designated hitter. In college, he was a catcher. He played for the Cleveland Indians, the San Francisco Giants, and the Texas Rangers in Major League Baseball as well as the Samsung Lions in the Korea Baseball Organization. Garko was seen by former ESPN reporter John Sickels as a good hitter who hit to all parts of the field, but with poor defensive instincts. Through 2010, he had a .275 career average, 427 hits, 55 home runs, and 250 RBI in 463 games.
Asdrúbal José Cabrera is a Venezuelan-American former professional baseball infielder. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, Washington Nationals, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks and Cincinnati Reds. Cabrera, a switch hitter, is a two-time All-Star. He was primarily a middle infielder for most of his career, but transitioned to playing more third base during the 2017 season and began playing first base late in the 2019 season.
The 2007 American League Championship Series (ALCS), the second round of the 2007 American League playoffs, began on October 12 and ended on October 21. It was a best-of-seven series, with the East Division champion Boston Red Sox facing the Central Division champion Cleveland Indians. The Red Sox came back from a 3–1 deficit to defeat the Indians 4–3, outscoring them 30–5 over the final three games of the Series.
The 2007 Cleveland Indians season was the 107th season for the franchise. The Indians won the American League Central title for the first time since 2001 on September 23, 2007, with a win over the Oakland Athletics. They played for the American League title before losing to the Boston Red Sox in seven games.
Carlos Santana, nicknamed "Slamtana," is a Dominican-American professional baseball first baseman for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2010 with the Cleveland Indians and has also played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Kansas City Royals, Seattle Mariners, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Milwaukee Brewers. In international competition, he has participated with the Dominican Republic national team, winning the gold medal in the 2013 World Baseball Classic (WBC). Noted for plate discipline and power, Santana has also emerged as an excellent defender at first base. He stands 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) tall, weighs 210 pounds (95 kg), throws right-handed and is a switch hitter.
The 2008 Cleveland Indians season marked the 108th season for the franchise, as the Indians attempted to defend their American League Central title. The team played all of its home games at Progressive Field.
Justin Daniel Masterson is an American former professional baseball starting pitcher. Drafted by the Red Sox in the second round of the 2006 MLB draft from San Diego State University, he made his MLB debut two years later. Masterson also played in MLB for the Cleveland Indians and St. Louis Cardinals. Known for primarily throwing a sinking fastball, the right-hander stands 6' 6" (198 cm) tall, and weighs 250 lb (113 kg).
Michael Charles Brantley Jr., is an American former professional baseball outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians and the Houston Astros. The son of former MLB player and hitting coach Mickey Brantley, he is a left-handed batter and thrower.
Scott Daniel Sizemore is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) infielder who played for the Detroit Tigers, Oakland Athletics, and New York Yankees from 2010 to 2014.
Markus Lynn "Mookie" Betts is an American professional baseball outfielder, shortstop, and second baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB) and the United States national team. He previously played for the Boston Red Sox. In 2018, while with the Red Sox, he became the first player in MLB history to win the Most Valuable Player, Silver Slugger, Gold Glove, batting title, and World Series all in the same season.
José Enrique Ramírez is a Dominican professional baseball third baseman for the Cleveland Guardians of Major League Baseball (MLB). He signed with the Cleveland Indians as an amateur free agent on November 26, 2009, and made his MLB debut on September 1, 2013.
Cody Andrew Anderson is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians.
Roberto Andres Pérez is a Puerto Rican professional baseball catcher in the Boston Red Sox organization. He played college baseball for Florida Gateway College. Pérez was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 33rd round of the 2008 Major League Baseball draft. He made his MLB debut in 2014 with the Indians, and has also played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants. He has won two Gold Glove Awards and two Fielding Bible Awards, and was named the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year in 2019.
