Since the beginning of professional sports in Cleveland in 1901, there have been many ups and downs for the city’s major sports teams. Each team has had its fair share of success stories and tales of disappointment, from struggling expansion franchises to dominant dynasties.
This article will investigate which Cleveland sports franchise has been the most successful over time, assessing their triumphs and other accomplishments that contribute to overall greatness. So hop on board as we go on a fascinating journey through the history of Ohio’s proud sporting clubs!
Table of Contents
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns, an iconic NFL franchise, belong to the American Football Conference (AFC) North division and are renowned for their storied past under original coach and co-founder Paul Brown. As a professional football team based in Cleveland, they have remained loyal to their roots while competing at the highest level of competition within the National Football League.
The Browns proudly host their games at the renowned FirstEnergy Stadium, which first opened its gates in 1999. Their offices and training sessions are located in Berea, Ohio. Representing the city of Cleveland’s spirit and pride, The Browns’ official colors are brown, orange, and white – a distinct combination not seen on any other team in NFL history!
Additionally, unique to this organization is that they do not have an emblem or logo featured on their helmets – setting them apart from all 32 teams competing within the league.
What Makes the Cleveland Browns So Successful?
Not only did the Browns succeed in their four-year AAFC Championships, but they also celebrated a victorious NFL Championship during their inaugural season of 1950. Their accomplishments continued through 1954, 1955, and 1964, when the team achieved three more NFL titles – yet they have not won any Super Bowls.
However, their fanbase is more than loyal, and the Browns have remained popular throughout their existence. The team’s slogan is also particularly noteworthy – “The Team, The Tradition.”
Cleveland Cavaliers
Established in 1970, the Cleveland Cavaliers, or Cavs for short, are a professional basketball team from Ohio belonging to the NBA’s Eastern Conference Central Division. Along with them came two other teams that season: Portland Trail Blazers and Buffalo Braves. The Cavaliers have since become an eminent part of American basketball culture! The team was featured as a BetMGM Ohio bonus code to provide a tribute to the franchise’s massive fan base.
The Cavaliers first welcomed fans to their Cleveland Arena home from 1970-1974 before moving the festivities to Richfield Coliseum for a twenty-year stint. Soon after Dan Gilbert assumed ownership in 2005, the team moved downtown to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse – also shared by AHL’s Cleveland Monsters. Since then, Cavs fans have had an incredible place they can call ‘home’!
What Makes the Cleveland Cavaliers So Successful?
After four triumphant seasons with Miami Heat and having earned back-to-back championships in 11/12 and 12/13, LeBron returned to Cleveland in 2014. With his help, the Cavaliers achieved four consecutive NBA Finals.
In 2016, the Cavaliers made a miraculous comeback from 3-1 in their NBA Finals victory over the Golden State Warriors – an unprecedented feat that had never been accomplished before.
Cleveland Guardians
For over two decades, the Cleveland Guardians have proudly represented their city in Major League Baseball as a member of the ALC division. Since 1994, they have thrilled fans with their electrifying performances at Progressive Field.
Established as a Major League franchise in 1901, the team has earned 11 Central division titles, six American League pennants, and two World Series championships (1920 and 1948). Unfortunately for them, their most recent championship win dates back over 70 years ago- making it the longest active drought amongst all 30 current Major League teams.
In honor of the captivating 1932 Art Deco sculptures from Cleveland, the team proudly adopted the Hope Memorial Bridge Guardians of Traffic title. In addition, they named the mascot “Slider” to further celebrate this rich heritage and train at Goodyear Ballpark in Arizona during spring training season.
What Makes the Cleveland Guardians So Successful?
The Cleveland Guardians are the living embodiment of baseball in Cleveland. They have a dedicated fanbase that stands behind them throughout their storied history, and they offer an exciting experience for all who attend their games. They have two World Series championships, in 1920 and 1948.
The Guardians remain a constant presence in the city, and with each passing year, they strive to make it back to the World Series. For three weeks between August 24th and September 14th, 2017, the team demonstrated an unimaginable level of excellence; they won 22 consecutive games- a record that stands as the longest American League winning streak in history and the second-longest Major League Baseball winning streak ever.
Cleveland Monsters
The Cleveland Monsters are more than just a pro ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. Established as the Lake Erie Monsters in 2007, this dynamic organization is an affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets and has made history by becoming one of two AHL teams to claim their first Calder Cup championship in 2016. With every home game played at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in downtown Cleveland, it is no surprise that fans flock from far and wide to watch these talented players showcase their skills.
What Makes the Cleveland Monsters So Successful?
The Monsters finished the 2015–16 season with a bang, setting an unprecedented record in points (97) and advancing to the playoffs for only the second time ever! Then, on April 23rd of 2016, they stunned their opponents – the Rockford IceHogs – by sweeping them in a best-of-five series. It was a remarkable performance that left everyone watching, inspiring and amazed.
The Monsters astounded the hockey world by progressing to the Western Conference Semifinals, where they triumphed against Grand Rapids Griffins in a best-of-seven series 4–2. However, their success didn’t stop there: The Monsters swept the defending Calder Cup Champion Ontario Reign during Western Conference Finals, paving their way for an appearance in the Calder Cup Final. Finally, on June 11th, 2016, Oliver Bjorkstrand’s OT goal sealed it – after years of tenacity and hard work, the Monsters won the Calder Cup.
Cleveland Crunch
Founded in 1989, the Crunch was an expansion team of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL). In three separate leagues and two changed names over 16 seasons, they were initially a part of MISL – later renamed Major Soccer League (MSL) – until they transferred to National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) in 1992.
What Makes the Cleveland Crunch So Successful?
After many successful years in the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL), the team transitioned to a revamped version of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) in 2001, which was renamed Cleveland Force. After four seasons and countless achievements with MISL, they disbanded in 2005; however, fast forward to 2021, where The Crunch returned for another indoor season within M2.
Finally, on July 18th, 2021, their tenacity paid off as they won an impressive 11-6 victory against Wichita Wings and were crowned champions!
Cleveland Barons (1937–1973)
The illustrious Cleveland Barons had a proud history in the American Hockey League, having played at the iconic Cleveland Arena from 1937 to 1973. While they were a minor league team, their remarkable success earned them recognition as one of the most successful teams in AHL history.
What Made the Cleveland Barons So Successful?
Throughout the years, they clinched ten division championships and nine Calder Cups – an unchallenged record for over thirty years until it was broken by the Hershey Bears when they won their 10th Calder Cup in 2009. The team moved to Jacksonville, Florida, in 1973 and became known as the Jacksonville Barons; sadly, this only lasted a single season before coming to an abrupt end.
Conclusion
The city of Cleveland has a rich and illustrious sports history, with some of the most legendary teams and players to ever grace professional fields. From baseball to ice hockey and soccer, Cleveland has been home to some of the most successful teams in their respective leagues. From the Guardians and Monsters to the Crunch and Barons, this city continues to be a showcase for high-level sports. Cleveland will surely have something for you no matter what team or sport you follow!