Bob Lemon
| Birthdate | 9/22/1920 |
| Death Date | 1/11/2000 |
| Debut Year | 1938 |
| Year of Induction | 1976 |
| Teams | Indians, Royals, White Sox, Yankees |
| Positions | Manager, Pitcher |
From 1948-1956 Bob Lemon averaged 20 wins per season and appeared in seven All Star games. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1976.
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Bob Lemon's career foundered early until the Indians turned him into a starting pitcher
Bob Lemon's career foundered early until the Indians turned him into a starting pitcher
In Bob Lemon’s first few years with the Indians there was much doubt about his ability to play baseball at its highest level. Lemon’s most viable position as a big leaguer was initially unclear.
A power hitter in the minors, Lemon auditioned for the Indians in ’41 and ’42 playing two games at third base, 7 as a pinch-hitter and two as a pinch-runner. Lemon then left the game to serve in three years in the military during the Second World War. When he returned, he tried his hand in the outfield and on the pitcher’s mound.
In ’46 he was the team’s Opening Day centerfielder. Solid with the leather, Lemon’s performance at the plate doomed his future. On the year he hit .180, lifting his average over .200 for only a single day.
Sensing that Lemon’s days in the bigs were numbered as a position player, Cleveland skipper Lou Boudreau tried Lemon at pitcher while keeping options open. In ’46 and ’47 he played thirteen games in centerfield, one in right, 21 in the pinch, 20 as a starting pitcher, and 49 in relief.
Then in 1948 everything changed. Pegged by Boudreau as a starting pitcher, Lemon had a breakthrough campaign. In his first season as a full-time starter, Lemon won 20 games, leading all American League hurlers in innings pitched (293 2/3), complete games (20) and shutouts (10). Through an analytical lens, he was equally magnificent, sporting a 144 ERA+ with a league-leading 1.226 WHIP and 4.7 WAR.
Lemon’s mound performance helped push the Indians to the American League pennant. In the World Series he was equally stellar. The Game 2 starter, Lemon twirled a complete-game effort, scattering 8 hits and allowing one run in a 4-1 victory over Hall of Famer Warren Spahn and the Boston Braves.
When Lemon returned to the mound in Game 6 Cleveland held a 3-games-to-2 Series advantage. One season into his new-found role as ace pitcher, Lemon was in line to clinch the championship. On three days rest the right-hander held the Braves to three runs in 7 1/3 frames. The offense backed him with just enough. Lemon’s 4-3 win made the Indians the champions of baseball.
Shown here is a ticket to Game 4 of the 1948 World Series signed by 1948 MVP Lou Boudreau. The Indians player/manager played a part in the Indians 2-1 victory over the Boston Braves.
In the bottom of the first inning he hit a double down the right field line to score leadoff man Dale Mitchell. In the third inning Larry Doby added a solo home run that proved to be the difference.
Bob Lemon started as a two-way player before taking the mound full time
Bob Lemon started as a two-way player before taking the mound full time
Bob Lemon starting playing baseball professionally at age 17 in 1938. As an outfielder he hit .307 in 300 at bats at Class C. He also appeared in one scoreless inning as a pitcher.
Lemon remained in the minors until he enlisted in the navy in 1943. A strong prospect by then, Lemon remained in the armed forces throughout the ’45 season.
He returned in 1946. Lemon played in 55 games, 32 as a pitcher, and 12 as an outfielder, 9 as a pinch hitter and 3 as a pinch runner. The following season Lemon became a full time pitcher. He posted an 11-5 record and a 3.44 ERA.
In 1948 Lemon blossomed, leading the AL in innings, complete games, shutouts and WHIP (walks plus hits per innings pitched). He was at his best from ’48 through 1956. During that time he made 7 all star teams and won 186 games.
Lemon won 20 or more games 7 times and led the league in victories thrice. In 1957 his record slipped to 6-11. Lemon pitched through severe elbow pain. In the offseason he had surgery on his right elbow.
The right hander pitched in 11 games in ’58, losing his only decision while posting a 5.33 ERA. Lemon’s final big league game came on July 1, ’58 in a pinch-hitting appearance vs. the White Sox.
Lemon’s seven 20-win seasons and 207 career wins got him inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1976.
In the collection is this contract sent to Lemon. The Indians hoped he’d agree to play the 1953 season for $40,000. Lemon also rejected the terms of this deal, instead signing for $45,000. Lemon reached the All Star game for the sixth consecutive season in 1953 and won 21 games.
Hank Greenberg was the Indians GM for the final 10 years of Lemon's playing career
Hank Greenberg was the Indians GM for the final 10 years of Lemon's playing career
Though Bob Lemon never signed the 1953 contract shown here, Hall of Fame first baseman Hank Greenberg did. The former slugger penned his signature in his capacity as Indians’ general manager.
A nice association piece for the two Cooperstown compadres, this piece originated from Bob Lemon’s estate. Greenberg’s signature is found next to the date of January 12, 1953. Interestingly, Lemon lived at the listed address in Long Beach until he died.
Greenberg joined the Indians as farm director in 1948, ascending to GM the following year. He eventually bought a piece of the team and remained with Cleveland until he sold his stake in 1958.
In 1955, Lemon led the AL in wins for the third and final time of his career.
In 1955, Lemon led the AL in wins for the third and final time of his career.
The Bowman baseball card shown here is from 1955, a year in which Bob Lemon led American League pitchers in wins. Lemon led the AL in that category three times, 1950, ’54, and ’55.
The seven-time All Star was a model of durability, leading the league in starts four times, and batters faced in five seasons.
Lemon appeared in 15 games in 1958 before retiring as a player
Lemon appeared in 15 games in 1958 before retiring as a player
The first page of the Uniform Player’s Contract calls for Lemon to make $30,000 for the 1958 season. He pitched in 11 games and appeared as a pinch hitter in 6. Lemon’s final big league appearance came as a pinch hitter on July 1st. The next day Cleveland released him.
Notice the “Loyalty Clause” of the contract which states, “The player agrees to perform his services hereunder diligently and faithfully, to keep himself in first-class physical condition, and to obey the Club’s training rules, and pledges himself to the American public, and to the Club to conform to high standards of personal conduct, fair play, and good sportsmanship.”
Lemon rejected the terms of this deal in '58; he ended up signing for $35,000
Lemon rejected the terms of this deal in '58; he ended up signing for $35,000
The second page of the 1958 contract deal stipulates that the club may terminate the contract if the player shall at any time, “fail, refuse, or neglect to conform his personal conduct of good citizenship and good sportsmanship, or keep himself in first class condition.”
It also puts forth that the agreement can be ended if the player fails, “to exhibit sufficient skill or competitive ability to qualify or continue as a member of the Club’s team.” Lemon rejected this offer of $30,000 and eventually come to terms for $35,000.
It was his final season as a big league player.
This contract came from Lemon's estate and is signed by GM Frank Lane
This contract came from Lemon's estate and is signed by GM Frank Lane
The third page of the standard four-page document holds the signature of Frank Lane in his position as General Manager of the Cleveland Indians. As this was Lemon’s personal copy, there are no additional signatures beyond that of Lane.
Generally the club sent two contracts, one for the player to sign and return, the other for the player’s personal reference.
Lane began his life in baseball in 1933 as the Reds traveling secretary. He ascended up the ranks before taking the White Sox GM job in 1948. He later served as GM for the Cardinals, Indians, Athletics and Brewers.
Lemon finished with 207 career victories and a 3.23 earned run average
Lemon finished with 207 career victories and a 3.23 earned run average
The final page of the contract contains more legal stipulations for both the pitcher and the team. This would be Lemon’s final contract for his last year as a Major League player.
He finished with 207 wins and a 3.23 ERA. Eighteen years later Lemon would be given baseball’s highest honor when he was voted into the Hall of Fame.
Bob Lemon joined the Cleveland coaching staff immediately after retirment
Bob Lemon joined the Cleveland coaching staff immediately after retirment
Bob Lemon retired as a player after appearing in just 11 games in 1958. He stayed on the big club’s staff for parts of the ’59 and ’60 campaigns.
Shown here is a 1960 Topps card featuring the Indians staff. It depicts Lemon and fellow Cleveland hurler Mel Harder in addition to two others. Lemon and Harder have signed the card boldly.
In 1976 the Baseball Writers selected Bob Lemon for the Hall
In 1976 the Baseball Writers selected Bob Lemon for the Hall
Bob Lemon received baseball’s ultimate honor in 1976 when the Baseball Writers selected him for induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The scribes also gave their nod to six-time 20-game winner Robin Roberts. The Veterans Committee selected 19th-century slugger Roger Connor, Negro League standout Oscar Charleston, third baseman Fred Lindstrom, and umpire Cal Hubbard.
Shown here is a letter from then-American League president and future Cooperstown man Lee MacPhail. Dated June 16, 1976, it invites Hall of Fame hurler Waite Hoyt to the induction.
The six-man class of ’76 was inducted in a ceremony on August 9, 1976.
In his four seasons as Yankee skipper, Lemon's teams won two pennants and a World Series title
In his four seasons as Yankee skipper, Lemon's teams won two pennants and a World Series title
Bob Lemon won 207 games in his 13-year playing career, earning induction into the Hall of Fame in 1976. Lemon also managed three clubs in nine seasons including the pennant-winning Yankees of 1978 and 1981.
In the collection is the lineup card from Game 2 of the 1981 World Series signed by the Yankee skipper. Tommy John was on the hill that day and twirled seven scoreless innings as New York went on top of the Dodgers 2 games to none in the best of seven series.
Los Angeles came back to sweep the next four games and capture their first World Series championship since 1965.
Overall Lemon managed 8 seasons for the Royals, White Sox, and Yankees
Overall Lemon managed 8 seasons for the Royals, White Sox, and Yankees
Lemon’s tenure with the Yankees started after George Steinbrenner fired manager Billy Martin midway through the 1978 season. Though the Yanks won the World Series in ’77, the combustible Martin wore out his welcome in ’78.
Lemon’s steady leadership was just what the Yankees needed as they finished the year with 48 wins in their last 68 games on their way to a second-consecutive championship. Shown here is a Donruss baseball card depicting New York manager Bob Lemon who has signed it at the bottom.
In 8 seasons at the helm of the Royals, White Sox and Yankees, Lemon guided his teams to 430 wins and 403 losses.
