1974 Topps Traded Frank Robinson

Cleveland Indians CTNW Fan Favorites #2

I'm putting together 5 "Cards That Never Were" fan favorites from each team. These are not necessarily the 5 best players from the franchise. So as David Letterman used to say before Stupid Pet Tricks, "This is only an exhibition. This is not a competition. Please, no wagering."

"The Judge" came to Cleveland on September 12, 1974. Although Robinson had publicly expressed his desire to be the first black manager, Cleveland GM Phil Seghi claimed that he needed a right handed power hitter. But on October 3, 1974 he announced that Robinson would manage the Indian in 1975. The same franchise that made Larry Doby the first black player in the American League had made Frank Robinson the first black manager in the majors. Robinson would also become the first black manager in the National League for the Giants in 1981.