50 best MLB teams that didn’t win the World Series
The 1995 Cleveland Indians were the first team in franchise history to make it to the World Series since the 1954 squad (which we’ll talk about in greater depth a little later). The Tribe, who won 100 games in a 144-game seasons (shortened by the 1994 strike), became the first Major League team to ever reach the century mark in victories in a season that had less than 154 games.
With a star-studded roster that featured six All-Stars, including three All-Star starters in outfielders Albert Belle, Kenny Lofton and second baseman Carlos Baerga, as well as veteran Hall of Famers Eddie Murray and Dave Winfield, the odds were great that Cleveland would win their first World Championship since 1948. Of course, they happened to run into the best of the Atlanta Braves teams of the era, who captured the World Series title in six games.
Belle was the runner-up for the American League MVP Award in his most impressive season. The 28-year old slugger led the big leagues with 50 home runs and 52 doubles to become the first player in MLB history to hit 50 homers and 50 doubles in a season. Belle hit .317/.401/.690 and led the AL with 121 runs, 126 RBI and 377 total bases.
Other stars included Manny Ramirez (31 HR, 107 RBI), Jim Thome (25 HR, 73 RBI), Paul Sorrento (25 HR, 79 RBI), Murray (21 HR, 82 RBI) and Omar Vizquel, in addition to starters Dennis Martinez (12-5, 3.08 ERA), Charles Nagy (16-6, 4.55), Orel Hershiser (16-6, 3.87) and closer Jose Mesa (1.13 ERA, 46 saves)
Next: 1954 Cleveland Indians