All-Time Indians: Mike Garcia

Mike Garcia came on strong for the Indians in 1949, the year after their last championship, and took fourth place for the AL Rookie of the Year. He kept it going as well, staying in the starting rotation from then until 1957. Most impressively, from 1951 to 1954, he never had less than 18 wins or an ERA worse than 3.25. During those seasons he was part of the Indians big four rotation along with Bob Feller, Early Wynn and Bob Lemon. This rotation was the best in the league at the time and the best in Indians history. In 1949 and 1954 Garcia lead the AL in ERA and received votes for MVP three of four years between 1951 and 1954. In 1951, the best season for this rotation as a unit, the Indians had three starters rank in the MVP voting (Feller, 5; Wynn, 16 and Garcia, 22) earning 158 vote points between them. Indians second baseman Bobby Avila and outfielder Dale Mitchell also ranked in the top 28 that season.

Over his career, he was one of only ten Indians to reach the 2,000 innings pitched mark. He is also in the top ten in career wins, games played, starts and strike outs. His 96 losses are the least among pitchers with at least 125 wins giving him a winning percent of almost 60%. Mike Garcia was entered into the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame in 2007.