The 1940's was a glorious era for Cleveland baseball.  The Indians won the MLB World Series in 1948 and the Buckeyes were Negro League Champions in 1945!  This decade included the Bill Veeck era, the greatest Tribe owner.  Star players for the Indians included Ben Chapman, Steve Gromek, Al Smith, Hank Edwards, Bob Lemon, Allie Reynolds, Jim Hegan, Pat Seerey, Gene Woodling, Don Black, Dale Mitchell, Gene Bearden, Larry Doby, Joe Gordon, Mike Garcia, Satchel Paige, Johnny Berardino, Eddie Robinson, Al Rosen, Early Wynn, Bobby Avila, Ray Boone, Luke Easter,  Ken Keltner, Minnie Minoso and many more.  Larry Doby was the first black player in the MLB American League with Cleveland.  Integration came to MLB and this spelled doom for the Negro Leagues!