1997 Indians: Heartbreak in Game 7
Posted in CategoryGeneral Discussion Posted in CategoryGeneral Discussion-
Pepper Hu 3 weeks ago
After the 1996 season, Cleveland lost stars Albert Belle (signed by White Sox for $55M) and Kenny Lofton (traded to Atlanta for David Justice and Marquis Grissom). They replaced them with Matt Williams but still struggled to .500 until June.
A turning point came on August 27 when the team started wearing high socks like Jim Thome—and went on a hot streak. Rookie pitcher Jaret Wright also sparked their playoff run.
Cleveland beat the Yankees and Orioles to reach the 1997 World Series against the expansion Florida Marlins. In Game 7, they led 2–1 going into the 9th inning. Closer José Mesa couldn't hold it. Edgar Rentería's two-out single won it for the Marlins, crushing Cleveland's first title hopes since 1948.
It would be nearly 20 years before the Indians returned to the Fall Classic.