The Cleveland Guardians are a Major League Baseball team in Cleveland, Ohio, and boast one of the distinguished legacies in the sport, with origins tracing back to their establishment in 1901. Previously known as the Cleveland Indians, the franchise underwent a rebranding to become the Guardians in 2021, marking a new chapter while paying tribute to its history.
Since becoming part of Major League Baseball (MLB) in 1901, they have secured 12 Central Division titles, six American League pennants, and two World Series championships in 1920 and 1948. The team's championship drought since 1948 is currently the longest among all active Major League teams. Since 1994, their home field has been Progressive Field, a baseball stadium in downtown Cleveland. Between August 24 and September 14, 2017, they achieved an impressive feat by winning 22 consecutive games. This remains the longest winning streak ever recorded in American League history and second overall in Major League Baseball history.
Who are the rivals of the Cleveland Guardians in MLB?
Cleveland Guardians’ main rivals are the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, and Minnesota Twins, each having a distinct legacy of competitive matchups with the Guardians. Although the dynamics of rivalries can evolve, certain key adversaries remain prominent.
New York Yankees
The rivalry between the Cleveland Guardians and the New York Yankees has gained significant heat in recent years. One of the defining moments in recent history was the "garbage-throwing incident" in April 2022, involving Guardians outfielder Myles Straw and Yankees fans. The incident, combined with the Yankees ultimately ending Cleveland’s postseason run later that year, has kept the rivalry fresh in the minds of both teams’ fans. Historically, the Yankees’ dominance from 1921 to 1964 overshadowed Cleveland’s success, though the Guardians claimed World Series titles in 1920 and 1948.
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are another major rival for the Cleveland Guardians. The tension between these teams has been marked by multiple incidents on the field and fan rivalry off it. Josh Naylor's eight-RBI performance in May 2022 further stoked the rivalry, as White Sox fans have taken issue with the Guardians’ success. Other heated moments include feuds between Chicago’s Tim Anderson and Cleveland fans, clashes involving former White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu, and former manager Tony La Russa’s confrontation with Cleveland catchers. While Chicago were once top contenders, their recent underperformance in the AL Central has diminished their rivalry with Cleveland to some extent, but the competitiveness remains strong when they face off.
Minnesota Twins
The rivalry with the Minnesota Twins has grown in recent years, particularly as both teams have dominated the AL Central division. Between the two, they have captured five of the last six division titles. In 2022, the Guardians had the upper hand, with several dramatic moments, including walk-off victories from players like Josh Naylor, Andrés Giménez, and Amed Rosario. With both teams fighting for the AL Central crown, the rivalry has intensified, and each game between them has added significance. This battle for divisional supremacy makes the Twins one of Cleveland’s rivals.
FAQs on Cleveland Guardians
A. The team was previously known as the Cleveland Indians from 1915 until 2021, before officially changing to the Guardians in 2022.
A. The Cleveland Guardians have won two World Series titles, in 1920 and 1948.
A. The Cleveland Guardians compete in the American League (AL) Central division.
A. The Cleveland Guardians have appeared in the World Series six times, most recently in 2016.
A. The mascot of the Cleveland Guardians is "Slider," a furry pink and yellow character who has been with the team since 1990.
