What Baseball Team Is the Guardians? | Cleveland MLB Info

By Sarah Miller · February 7, 2043

What Baseball Team Is the Guardians?

The Cleveland Guardians are a Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They compete in the American League (AL) Central Division and play their home games at Progressive Field. The team officially adopted the name “Guardians” in 2021, replacing the former name “Cleveland Indians,” as part of a rebranding effort to embrace a more inclusive identity. With a storied history that includes multiple World Series appearances and a passionate fan base, the Guardians remain a competitive force in modern MLB.

History of the Cleveland Guardians

The franchise dates back to 1901 as one of the original teams in the American League. Over the years, the team has undergone several name changes:

1901–1904: Cleveland Blues
1905: Cleveland Broncos
1905–1914: Cleveland Naps (named after player-manager Nap Lajoie)
1915–2021: Cleveland Indians
2022–present: Cleveland Guardians

The decision to change from “Indians” to “Guardians” followed decades of controversy over Native American imagery and names in sports. The new name references the “Guardians of Traffic,” iconic Art Deco statues on the Hope Memorial Bridge near Progressive Field.

Key Milestones

1920: Won the franchise’s first World Series.
1947: Signed Larry Doby, the first Black player in the American League.
1994–1999: Dominant era with six consecutive AL Central titles.
2016: Reached the World Series, losing in Game 7 to the Chicago Cubs.
2022: Officially debuted as the Cleveland Guardians.

Team Performance and Recent Seasons

The Guardians have maintained a strong presence in the AL Central, often competing with teams like the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals. Despite limited financial resources compared to larger-market clubs, Cleveland has succeeded through elite player development and strategic management.

Season	Wins	Losses	Win %	League	Division	Postseason Result
2021	80	82	.494	AL	2nd (Central)	Did not qualify
2022	92	70	.568	AL	1st (Central)	Lost ALDS
2023	76	86	.469	AL	4th (Central)	Did not qualify
2024	72	90	.444	AL	4th (Central)	Did not qualify

Table data source:1, 2

The 2022 season marked a high point with 92 wins and a division title, showcasing the team’s ability to compete despite roster turnover. However, performance dipped in 2023 and 2024 due to injuries and the departure of key players. The Guardians continue to focus on developing young talent through their farm system.

Home Stadium and Fan Experience

Progressive Field, located in downtown Cleveland, opened in 1994 and has a seating capacity of approximately 34,830 for baseball games. Known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent sightlines, it consistently ranks among the top ballparks in MLB.

Stadium Highlights

Nickname: “The Jake” (informal)
Opened: April 4, 1994
Surface: Natural grass
Notable Feature: Proximity to the Cuyahoga River and skyline views
Awards: Named “Best Ballpark Food” by USA Today readers multiple times

Roster and Key Players

The Guardians emphasize youth and affordability, building around a core of homegrown talent. Notable current and recent players include:

Steven Kwan: Outfielder known for exceptional plate discipline and defense.
Jose Ramirez: All-Star third baseman and team leader, consistently among the league leaders in RBIs and runs scored.
Shane Bieber: 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner, cornerstone of the starting rotation.
Andres Gimenez: Dynamic infielder acquired in a trade, contributing both offensively and defensively.

About the Cleveland Guardians: Common Questions

Why did the Cleveland Indians change their name to the Guardians?

The name change was implemented to retire a nickname and logo considered culturally insensitive to Native American communities. After years of advocacy, the team announced the shift in 2021, choosing “Guardians” to reflect local heritage and civic pride.

When did the Cleveland Guardians start playing under the new name?

The Cleveland Guardians officially began using the new name at the start of the 2022 MLB season. Their first regular-season game as the Guardians was on April 7, 2022, against the Kansas City Royals.

Have the Cleveland Guardians won a World Series?

Yes, the franchise won its first World Series in 1920. They also reached the Fall Classic in 1948 (won), 1954, 1995, 1997, and 2016, but did not win those later appearances. Note: Correction: The team won the World Series in 1920 and 1948. They lost in 1954, 1995, 1997, and 2016.

Where do the Cleveland Guardians play their home games?

The Guardians play at Progressive Field, located at 2401 Ontario Street, Cleveland, Ohio. The stadium is part of the Gateway Sports and Entertainment Complex, shared with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns.

Who owns the Cleveland Guardians?

The team is owned by the Dolan family, led by chairman Larry Dolan. The family purchased the franchise in 2000 for $323 million. Under their ownership, the team has focused on fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability.