Richard Jacobs was the owner of the Cleveland Indians who saved baseball in that city. He isn’t the owner any more, but his presence will be felt forever. He built one of the best fields in history. Richard was a hands-off owner; he didn’t bother the manager or the general manager. He developed shopping malls across the United States. He is quiet and humble, a charitable man, and a tremendous asset to the Cleveland area. He was instrumental in building a statue of me, which was one of the nicest honors I ever received.

Under Mr. Jacobs, the Indians began a new era of tradition, pride, and excellence. The 1994 Indians were a solid team, and in 1995 they won the American League Eastern Division, took the pennant, and played a hard-fought World Series against Atlanta. In 1996 the team again won their division, and in 1997 they reached the World Series once more, only to lose to the Florida Marlins in a dramatic seven games in extra innings. Both 1998 and 1999 also saw the Indians become a winning ball club. (The Indians have since been sold to Larry Dolan.)

The success of the Indians is attributable to Richard Jacobs and his style of ownership. Players such as Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez, Omar Vizquel, Sandy Alomar Jr., Kenny Lofton, and Charles Nagy have been important Indian talents who were all signed during the Jacobs years.

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