All-Time Indians: Harry Bay

Harry Bay was one of Cleveland's first great outfielders, joining Elmer Flick and Jack McCarthy in 1902 to form a very potent offensive outfield. He was released by the Cincinnati Reds early in 1902 and was signed by the Blues/Bronchos. He immediately became a force both in the field and on the bases, leading the league in fielding percent in center field in his first season. He continued to be excellent with the glove and arm, averaging more than 13 outfield assists per season from 1902-1905.

Bay proved to be the Blues/Naps most dangerous threat on the bases as well, leading the team in steals from 1903-05 and averaging more than 27 steals per season during his Cleveland career. In the end, despite a short career, Bay still remains seventh all-time in career steals as an Indian. While caught stealing numbers aren't available from that time, making it impossible to see how efficient he was, he was obviously proficient, taking a base every four games over his career, seventh most in Indians history.

Like many early Cleveland players, Bay had a short career and was unable to reach the Majors again, playing ten seasons in independent ball after his final professional season in 1908. In his 1907 he was replaced in center by Joe Birmingham, a vastly inferior player over the entirety of his career, and he was released the next year. Bay retired in 1917 and lived long enough to see his Cleveland team win two World Series before dying in 1952.