Even if it didn't end with a World Series championship, 2017 was a year to remember for the Indians and their fans.
The team set a new American League record with a 22-game winning streak, young and old players alike turned in All-Star performances, and the staff ace earned his second Cy Young Award.
Take a look back at the year that was in Cleveland baseball with WKYC's most popular Tribe stories of 2017.
5. Cleveland Indians outfielder Bradley Zimmer expected to miss rest of season
Rookie Bradley Zimmer dazzled fans during the season with his electrifying speed on the base paths and his Gold Glove defense in center field. Unfortunately for 'Zim Shady," his season came to a crashing end on Sept. 10, when he suffered a fractured right hand while diving into first base. The Indians certainly could've used him in the outfield during the postseason.
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4. Cleveland Indians identify lonely fan spotted at NLCS in Tribe gear
The Indians had already been eliminated from the playoffs, which is why so many people were surprised to see TBS cameras spot a fan in Chicago decked out in Tribe gear during Game 4 of the National League Championship Series. The Indians Twitter account eventually identified him as Illinois high schooler Henry Haracz, and our own Dorsena Drakeford later caught up with him to discuss his never-ending fandom.
Read the story here.
3. Cleveland Indians' Terry Francona to miss All-Star Game after heart procedure
As manager of the defending American League champions, Tribe skipper Terry Francona was expected to join five of his players in Miami to lead the AL All-Star team. However, just weeks before the game, Francona began to experience heart problems, and eventually underwent a cardiac ablation at the Cleveland Clinic. Bench coach Brad Mills filled in for several regular season games as well as the All-Star game, but Tito eventually returned to full strength in the second half.
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2. Here's how to watch Friday's Cleveland Indians game without paying for MLB Network
Fans were pumped to watch the Indians take on the Yankees in Game 2 of the American League Division Series, but many were unable to do so with the game being broadcast on MLB Network. We tried our best to help people find the channel. and those who caught the game witnessed a classic as the Tribe came back from 5 runs down to win 9-8. Sadly, it would be their final victory of the season, as the Bronx Bombers took the next three to advance to the ALCS.
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1. Cleveland Indians minor league clubhouse manager dies unexpectedly; GoFundMe started for wife, twins
Tragedy struck the Indians organization just over a week ago when Columbus Clippers clubhouse manager Matt Pruzinsky died suddenly. His wife is currently pregnant with Twins, and before he was traded to the Seattle Mariners, then-Tribe relief pitcher Shawn Armstrong started a GoFundMe page for thr family. To date, the page has raised more than $100,000 in donations.
Read the story here.
