by While his antics had the media loathing him, it was his on-field play that had the fans loving him. He continued to crush the ball in 1993 by hitting 38 homeruns while driving in 129 RBI.
His play was getting him noticed by the rest of the league as well as he earned his first All Star bid. It was his first of five straight trips to the mid-summer classic.
Besides dealing with Belle’s anger problems, his teammates and manager did a masterful job dealing with a spring training tragedy that saw them lose closer Steve Olin in a boating accident. Olin was coming off of a 29-win season and seen as the anchor of the bullpen.
It was nearly impossible to get past that and the distraction of the new stadium soon to open in 94, but the Indians still managed to tie their win total of the previous season at 76.
The bullpen was closer by committee and ace pitcher Charles Nagy spent almost the entire season on the DL, but they still pulled off 76 wins because of the increased hitting led by Belle.
Lofton was quickly becoming one of the best leadoff hitters in baseball, with another big season. He compiled 185 hits, batting 325 while stealing a wicked 70 bases. We all remember Lofton’s ability to run and steal, but he could hit as well. Belle had no problems driving him in either, as Lofton scored over 100 times.
Baerga was his usual dynamic self, batting in front of Belle. He too, like Lofton, reeked the benefits of their prime real estate in the lineup. Baerga once again had 200 hits, batted 321 and drove in 114.
Lofton and Baerga continued to set the table as Belle became one of the most dangerous hitters in Indians history. Slowly but surely, the Indians were building something.
