1997 was a big year for the Cleveland Indians. For the second time in three seasons, the team made it to the World Series, this time losing a heartbreaker to the Florida Marlins. Cleveland hosted the All-Star Game at its still-young Jacobs Field. First baseman Jim Thome hit 40 home runs, while 25 year-old right fielder Manny Ramirez continued to ascend the ranks of baseball’s best young sluggers.
Far under the radar was all-glove, no-bat shortstop Omar Vizquel, who, following the season, had career marks of 27 home runs, a .