All-Time Indians: Jack Graney

Jack Graney was another player who managed to stick around for a long time, even though he wasn’t the most talented player, and turn it into a solid career. From 1910 to 1919 Graney was the starting left fielder until he was replaced by another long term Indian, Charlie Jamieson. During his time, he racked up significant at bats to be in the top five in career walks (he is also in the top ten for single season walks with 105 in his 1919 season), top ten in triples and eleventh in games played. All these numbers combined helped him get listed as one of the Indians top 10 left fielders. He won his ring in 1920 as part of the Indians first championship team, but didn’t fare to well himself. He had already been replaced as a starter in the lineup and only received three at bats during the series. He went 0-3 with two strikeouts.

If all that isn’t enough to make Jack an all-time great, here is why he is truly listed. After playing his entire career with the Tribe, in 1933 Graney became the first former player to announce games for the Cleveland Indians on the radio and he held his position until 1953. He was loved by the fans and is still held in high esteem today as one of the most popular Indians announcers of all time. Graney died in 1978, but is still being honored as he was placed in the Indians Distinguished Hall of Fame for non-uniformed personnel in 2012. He was the first announcer to be placed in the Indians Hall of Fame solely for his announcing.