In addition to being the first former player to become a play-by-play broadcaster, Cleveland's Jack Graney was the first to think up the idea of players wearing numbers on their uniforms (although the Indians abandoned it after limited use and the Yankees later got the credit for starting it up because theirs lasted). Graney also has the distinction of being the first man (as the Indians' leadoff hitter) to bat against Babe Ruth (Red Sox pitcher) in a Major League game. Graney is a native of St. Thomas, Ont., and one of several Canadians to distinguish themselves with the Cleveland Indians.
» Tom Blaha, a member of SABR for 15 years, lives in Bowling Green, Ohio.
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Posted August 18, 2002.
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