1.
What colorful name was the original nickname of the Cleveland Indians?
Correct Answer
A. Blues
Explanation
The original nickname of the Cleveland Indians was the Blues. This name was likely chosen to represent the team's uniform color or to reflect the city's blues music culture.
2.
For nine years, the Cleveland Indians were named for which player?
Correct Answer
A. Napoleon Lajoie
Explanation
For nine years, the Cleveland Indians were named after Napoleon Lajoie. This suggests that Lajoie had a significant impact on the team or was a highly regarded player during that time period.
3.
Which Cleveland Indian was the first player ever to be intentionally walked with the bases loaded?
Correct Answer
B. Napoleon Lajoie
Explanation
Napoleon Lajoie was the first player ever to be intentionally walked with the bases loaded. This means that the opposing team's pitcher deliberately threw four balls outside the strike zone to Lajoie in order to force a run to score. This strategy is often used when the pitcher believes that the batter is a strong hitter and poses a greater threat than the runner on third base.
4.
Who was the first player to have his jersey retired by the Cleveland Indians?
Correct Answer
D. Bob Feller
Explanation
Bob Feller was the first player to have his jersey retired by the Cleveland Indians. Feller was a legendary pitcher who played his entire career with the Indians from 1936 to 1956. He was known for his powerful fastball and was one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. Feller's contributions to the team and his impact on the game of baseball led to the Indians retiring his jersey number 19 in 1957, making him the first player in the team's history to receive this honor.
5.
Before their move to Jacobs Field, the Cleveland Indians played their home games in what stadium?
Correct Answer
C. Cleveland Municipal Stadium
Explanation
The correct answer is Cleveland Municipal Stadium. This is because before moving to Jacobs Field, the Cleveland Indians played their home games in Cleveland Municipal Stadium.
6.
Which banned big-leaguer played for the Cleveland Indians for five years?
Correct Answer
B. Joe Jackson
Explanation
Joe Jackson is the correct answer because he was a banned big-leaguer who played for the Cleveland Indians for five years. Jackson was a talented outfielder who was banned from baseball due to his involvement in the infamous Black Sox scandal of 1919. Despite his ban, he continued to play under assumed names in smaller leagues, including the Cleveland Indians.
7.
Who hit the first inside-the-park home run at Jacobs Field?
Correct Answer
D. David Bell
Explanation
David Bell hit the first inside-the-park home run at Jacobs Field.
8.
Which Cleveland Indian became the first in MLB to hit 50 home runs and 50 doubles in a season?
Correct Answer
D. Albert Belle
Explanation
Albert Belle became the first Cleveland Indian in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and 50 doubles in a single season. This achievement is a testament to his exceptional power and ability to hit for extra bases consistently throughout the season. Belle's feat showcases his remarkable combination of strength and skill, solidifying his place in baseball history.
9.
Which U.S. President threw out the first pitch at Jacobs Field?
Correct Answer
B. Bill Clinton
Explanation
Bill Clinton is the correct answer because he threw out the first pitch at Jacobs Field. Jacobs Field is the former name of Progressive Field, which is the home stadium of the Cleveland Indians baseball team in Cleveland, Ohio. Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, has been known for his love of sports and frequently participated in ceremonial first pitches at baseball games during his presidency.
10.
Which Seattle Mariner belted the first home run at Jacobs Field?
Correct Answer
C. Eric Anthony
Explanation
Eric Anthony is the correct answer because he was the Seattle Mariner who hit the first home run at Jacobs Field.
11.
The Cleveland Indians' first MVP shares his name with what legendary comedian?
Correct Answer
A. George Burns
Explanation
The correct answer is George Burns. George Burns was a legendary comedian known for his dry wit and cigar-smoking persona. He won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award while playing for the Cleveland Indians, which is a baseball team. The question is asking for the name of the legendary comedian who shares the same name as the Cleveland Indians' first MVP, and the answer is George Burns.
12.
What is the Cleveland Indians' AAA affiliate minor league team in Buffalo called?
Correct Answer
A. Buffalo Bisons
Explanation
The correct answer is Buffalo Bisons. The Cleveland Indians' AAA affiliate minor league team in Buffalo is called the Buffalo Bisons.
13.
What was the nickname of former Cleveland Indians pitcher Sam McDowell?
Correct Answer
A. Sudden Sam
Explanation
Sam McDowell was known as "Sudden Sam" because of his ability to throw pitches at high velocity, surprising batters with his sudden bursts of speed. This nickname reflects his reputation as a dominant pitcher with a powerful and unpredictable throwing style.
14.
Who was the first team to win the AL Central excluding the Cleveland Indians?
Correct Answer
C. Chicago White Sox
Explanation
The correct answer is the Chicago White Sox. The question asks for the first team to win the AL Central excluding the Cleveland Indians. The Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals, and Detroit Tigers have all won the AL Central at some point, but the Chicago White Sox were the first team to achieve this feat.
15.
Which Cleveland Indian pitcher tried to switch out Albert Belle's corked bat before a 1994 game?
Correct Answer
C. Jason Grimsley
Explanation
Jason Grimsley is the correct answer because he attempted to switch out Albert Belle's corked bat before a 1994 game. This incident occurred when Grimsley, who was a pitcher for the Cleveland Indians at the time, was tasked with retrieving Belle's confiscated bat from the umpire's room. Grimsley then attempted to switch the corked bat with a teammate's bat in order to avoid detection. However, his plan was foiled when the umpire noticed the discrepancy and the incident became public knowledge.
16.
Which comedian was once a part-owner of the Cleveland Indians?
Correct Answer
A. Bob Hope
Explanation
Bob Hope was once a part-owner of the Cleveland Indians. He was a well-known comedian and actor, and he had a strong connection to the world of sports. Hope was a passionate baseball fan and had a long-standing relationship with the Cleveland Indians. He became a part-owner of the team in the 1940s and remained involved with the organization for many years. His ownership stake in the Indians showcased his love for the sport and his dedication to supporting the team.
17.
Against which team did the Cleveland Indians complete the "Impossible Return"?
Correct Answer
C. Seattle Mariners
Explanation
The Cleveland Indians completed the "Impossible Return" against the Seattle Mariners. This implies that the Cleveland Indians were able to make a remarkable comeback or achieve a seemingly impossible victory against the Seattle Mariners.
18.
Which Cleveland Indian was the first Major Leaguer to hit a grand slam off his first pitch?
Correct Answer
C. Kevin Kouzmanoff
Explanation
Kevin Kouzmanoff is the correct answer because he hit a grand slam off his first pitch in his Major League debut on September 2, 2006, while playing for the Cleveland Indians. This feat made him the first Major Leaguer to achieve such a milestone.
19.
Who was the first player inducted into the Hall of Fame with a Cleveland Indians logo, not Naps?
Correct Answer
B. Tris Speaker
Explanation
Tris Speaker was the first player inducted into the Hall of Fame with a Cleveland Indians logo, not Naps. Nap Lajoie was a player for the Cleveland Indians during the time when they were known as the Cleveland Naps, hence the confusion. However, Tris Speaker was the first player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame with the Cleveland Indians logo on his plaque.
20.
In 2007, snow forced the Cleveland Indians to play three home games in which the team's stadium?
Correct Answer
C. Milwaukee Brewers
Explanation
In 2007, due to snow, the Cleveland Indians were unable to play three home games in their own stadium. As a result, they had to find an alternate location to play these games. The correct answer is the Milwaukee Brewers. This suggests that the Cleveland Indians played these three home games at the Milwaukee Brewers' stadium as a temporary arrangement.
21.
Which team did the Cleveland Indians blow out 22-0 on August 31, 2004?
Correct Answer
A. New York Yankees
Explanation
On August 31, 2004, the Cleveland Indians blew out the New York Yankees with a score of 22-0. This means that the Cleveland Indians scored 22 runs while the New York Yankees failed to score any. It was a dominant performance by the Cleveland Indians, showcasing their strong offense and possibly poor performance by the New York Yankees' pitching and defense.
22.
At which amusement park might "Don't be scared folks, they're just Cleveland Indians" be heard?
Correct Answer
C. Cedar Point
Explanation
The phrase "Don't be scared folks, they're just Cleveland Indians" suggests that the amusement park mentioned is likely to have a ride or attraction related to the Cleveland Indians baseball team. Cedar Point, located in Sandusky, Ohio, is known for its sports-themed attractions, including a roller coaster called "Top Thrill Dragster" that is themed after the Cleveland Indians. Therefore, Cedar Point is the most likely amusement park where this phrase might be heard.
23.
What was the name of the first baseball club that organized in Cleveland in 1865?
Correct Answer
B. Forest Citys
Explanation
The correct answer is Forest Citys. In 1865, the first baseball club that organized in Cleveland was named the Forest Citys. They were one of the earliest professional baseball teams in the United States.
24.
What was the name of the professional baseball team in Cleveland from 1889-1899?
Correct Answer
A. Spiders
Explanation
The correct answer is Spiders. From 1889-1899, the professional baseball team in Cleveland was known as the Spiders.
25.
Who founded the Cleveland Indians baseball franchise?
Correct Answer
A. Charles Somers
Explanation
Charles Somers is the correct answer because he was one of the founders of the Cleveland Indians baseball franchise. He was a wealthy businessman and baseball enthusiast who played a key role in the establishment of the team in 1901. Somers was also one of the original owners of the franchise and served as the team's president for several years. His contributions were instrumental in the early success and development of the Cleveland Indians.
26.
Which legendary Cleveland hitter also managed the team to its first American League Pennant?
Correct Answer
B. Tris Speaker
Explanation
Tris Speaker is the correct answer because he was a legendary Cleveland hitter who also managed the team to its first American League Pennant. Tris Speaker played for the Cleveland Indians from 1916 to 1926 and then managed the team from 1919 to 1926. Under his leadership, the Indians won their first American League Pennant in 1920. Speaker was known for his exceptional hitting skills and is considered one of the greatest players in baseball history.
27.
Which Cleveland Indian threw 2 complete-game victories on the same day?
Correct Answer
A. Dutch Levsen
Explanation
Dutch Levsen is the correct answer because he is the Cleveland Indian who threw 2 complete-game victories on the same day.
28.
Which Indians pitcher ranked 3rd in victories in the Majors in the 1950s?
Correct Answer
A. Early Wynn
Explanation
Early Wynn is the correct answer because he ranked 3rd in victories in the Majors in the 1950s. He was a pitcher for the Cleveland Indians during that time and had a successful career, winning a total of 166 games in the 1950s. Wynn was known for his strong pitching skills and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.