12 Days of a Cleveland Christmas: Day 8
Written By: Rick | Category: 12 days of Christmas | Comments: 149
Yesterday’s big winner was b, who said his most memorable game was the first time the Browns beat the Ravens. That was certainly a quality win. Last week’s game against the Steelers got a lot of votes. You can certainly tell that the younger crowd reads this site. Not so many games were mentioned from before the Browns were kidnapped to Baltimore.
At any rate it is time to get to today’s giveaway. The number of days left in the giveaway are shrinking, but the prizes aren’t. Today we have a Cleveland sports triple pack: a prize for each of the three teams. From the Browns, how about an old school Kardiac Kids style t-shirt from our friends at Homage. From the Cavs, a copy of Shooting Stars by LeBron James and Buzz Bissinger. And finally from the Indians, a pair of tickets to the July 24th game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Now that’s a prize pack!
Once again, here’s the skinny…
That’s right WFNY loyal readers- the December giveaway is back! Each weekday from now until Tuesday the 22nd we will be giving away a great Cleveland sports prize pack. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on the daily prize post answering the question of the day. It’s that simple. Look for the posts at noon.
- You may only enter once each day. You are free to comment on each other’s answers, however.
- The winner will be chosen at random from the qualifying entries. Winners will be notified the following day by email (make sure the email address you registered to comment with is a real one!) You must be at least 18 years old to win, and only one winner per household during this giveaway please.
-Entries must be made before Midnight EST to qualify.
Last year I made everyone give their answer in exactly 64 words, (last Cleveland title) but this year I’m going to be a bit more lenient. As long as you actually answer the question, it doesn’t matter how many words you use.
Today’s prize- a Cleveland triple pack: Tribe tickets, Shooting Stars, and a Kardiac Kids t-shirt.
Today’s question- Which Cleveland player, not currently playing, most deserves their number retired?
Good luck!
Author: Rick
Rick is a co-founder and editor of WFNY. His love of Cleveland sports is surpassed only by his faith and love of his family. Follow him on Twitter- @rickwfny.Rick has written 920 articles for Waiting for Next Year.
Great question. I’ve long wondered why Herb Score’s number was never retired, considering his long and very good association with the Tribe.
I’m going to go with Bernie, #19. If ever a player defined a franchise and a city, it was Bernie in Cleveland in the 1980s.
Omar Vizquel, he was the heart and soul of some the best years to be an Indians fan.
Ozzie Newsome
Ok, a little help for those that don’t have all the retired numbers memorized (like me):
Cavs
7 Bingo Smith, F, 1970–79
22 Larry Nance, F, 1988–94
25 Mark Price, G, 1986–95
34 Austin Carr, G, 1971–80
42 Nate Thurmond, C, 1975–77
43 Brad Daugherty, C, 1986–94
Andre Thornton and World B Free come to mind as my Cleveland leaders in down times, I would have to say Bernie Kosar’s #19 should be retired. But Mr Cleaveland’s suggestion of Herb Score is a good one.
I have to agree with Omar Vizquel. His number should be retired by the Indians the day he retires and he should be a first ballot hall of famer five years later
Mark Price. #25 was the Cavs in the early 90′s.
Indians
455 – The Fans (sellout streak)
19 Bob Feller
3 Earl Averill
14 Larry Doby
21 Bob Lemon
5 Lou Boudreau
18 Mel Harder
*42 Jackie Robinson (MLB retired number)
Well – right after I typed that, I realized it was retired… opps. Let’s go with Sandy Alomar.
the way i see it, if you’re in the hall of fame, you deserve to have your number retired by at least your “primary” team… with that said, i’m going with ozzie newsome. i know that’s not a popular pick because of his current job, but you can’t overlook what the guy did on the field while wearing orange and brown.
Browns
14 Otto Graham
32 Jim Brown
45 Ernie Davis
46 Don Fleming
76 Lou Groza
Three words. Corey. Freakin. Snyder.
Maybe he wasn’t the best player, but when I think of the great Indians teams from the mid-90s, I think of Sandy Alomar, Jr. Besides, who could ever forget that home run off Rivera?
The heart and soul of the last browns team to be competitive…#19 in your programs and #1 in your hearts….BERNNNIEEEE KOSSSSSARRR
Ozzie and Bernie. Those are the two I associate with those great 80′s teams.
Can’t blame Ozzie for his current job.
Bernie Kosar for sure.
Absolutely, without a doubt, no questions asked, for seriously for sure, Bernie Kosar.
I’d definitely say Bernie Kosar. I forgot who was wearing his number a few years back and it just didn’t seem right. I personally never saw Bernie play b/c I’m too young to really remember. I think Bernie is WAY overrated and is really only good in this town. BUT, he was very important to the Browns success and is one of the most recognizable figures in Browns history. #19 should never be worn again by another member of the Browns.
I wanna also give a vote for Tim Couch, because then people could at least get their use outta that jersey that still floods Browns stadium haha. Maybe it’d turn our karma around or something.
HAHAHA Jeremy C.
I’m sure it’ll be a popular choice, but I gotta go with Bernie Kosar. He was Cleveland from ’85-’92. No matter who was behing him at RB, or who he threw to at WR, there he was. Our leader through (arguably) the best time in Browns Football history. #19 in your programs, #1 in your hearts. Bernie Kosar.
Plus they made a song about him. That alone should get your number retired.
“Bernie Bernie. Ohhhh yeaaaah. How you can throw! Yeah yeah yeah yeah. Bernie Bernie. Oh Baby. Superbowl!”
Ozzie Newsome is the most deserving.
Ok….now who isn’t on those lists….
Browns – #29 Eric Turner
Indians – #6 Rocky Colavito – hey I don’t like to admit I believe in curses, but it couldn’t hurt, right?
Cavs – honestly, they have too many for the lack of historical success within the franchise. I am going to cheat and say #11 ‘Big Z’ since he said he is likely retiring after this season and he will be deserving.
(previous winnner – not eligigble)
Kenny Lofton. He loved being an Indian and was the premier leadoff hitter of his era. He meant so much to those Tribe teams that rejuvenated baseball in Cleveland. He was a perennial all star and gold glover and other than Omar, was the only premier player from that era that didn’t bolt Cleveland for a higher paycheck. Him coming back and contributing what he did in 2007 was just icing on the cake. I would be really surprised, and upset, if the Indians don’t retire his number at some point.
Ozzie Newsome for the sole fact that he gave me my first ever autograph. If that doesn’t get a man’s number retired, I don’t know what does…
S-Dub… I personally retired my own Tim Couch jersey long ago, haha
Willy Mays Hayes.
Really, I’d expect a few of the Indians players from the 90′s to ultimately have their numbers retired. That includes Thome and Manny. But since they are technically still playing, I will go with the real life Willy Mays Hayes, Kenny Lofton.
BERNIE BERNIE….SUPERBOWL……gotta be Mr. Kosar
Mark Price “for threeeeeee”. I loved those pull up 3 pointers.
hands down kenny lofton #7…favorite player without question
Ozzie Newsome, even if he does work for that team in Baltimore.
Ozzie Newsome as well…Hall of famer. one of the best to play his position. Its gotta be him.
Not eligible, but I’d go with Clay Matthews. Heart and soul of so many of those great defenses, SHOULD be a Hall of Famer, and because I was at the Browns/Titans game at CBS in 2000 when Bruce Matthews broke the games-played record. It was like 20 degrees, pounding snow (so much that we’re talking about dudes shoveling off the yard lines at time outs), and the Browns brought Clay out as an honorary captain to do the coin flip so he could share the moment with his brother.
Clay’s attire? SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT. NO JACKET.
That man *got* being a Browns player, and still does. Retire #57.
Another vote for Bernie..
PS – My birthday is the day before the Rays game that you guys are giving away tickets for, keep that in mind……..
I was going to vote for Bernie’s #19, but since Ozzie is the Hall of Famer, he gets my vote.
“The Wide Brook”
Brook Jacoby.
Find me another player that hit 32 homers in a year and managed to only rack up 69 RBI’s.
If they had numbers back when Ray Chapman played, I’d say him. Ozzie Newsome seems good too.
My sister would say Brian Sipe.
The man was a looker.
The site I found didn’t list a number, anyway.
Bernie and Ozzie… Honestly… Why is this not done yet? Bernie is arguably THE most loved Browns player ever, and The Wizard of Oz defined the TE position in football. This shouldn’t be difficult, get it done Lerner!
Kenny Lofton, Ozzie Newsome, or Clay Matthews
Albert Belle… for his off the field actions
well, obviously i would’ve chosen Charlie Frye, but apparently he’s still playing (for the raiders)….i would have to say Ozzie definitely. “The fat lady doesn’t sing til Ozzie gets his ring” – well he got one, but not with us, and not as a player. They should retire his number in Cleveland.
Props to mgbode for the lists.
No question…My childhood idol…#19 Bernie Kosar. No one excited a city like him. Bernie, Bernie, Hey, Hey, SUPERBOWL!
To Hell with Ozzie…he’s a traitor.
#19 Bernie Kosar.
My vote goes to Gene Hickerson; give some love to the Offensive lineman.
p.s.
Thanks for helping me discover the homage clothing site… their music made my Christmas.
Michael Stanley
I like this one a lot. Here’s a list of Browns who might make the cut:
Bill Willis (30, wore 60 as well)
Marion Motley (wore 36 later in his career)
Dante Lavelli (86)
* a lot of the 40s/50s era Browns changed numbers a lot, so it’s hard to give them one.
I agree that Ozzie’s 82 should be done as well. But if choosing only one, I side with Kosar…he IS number 19.
I’d go with Mark Price personally … if it wasn’t for Jordan it would have likely happened by now
I know it’s redundant at this point, but Bernie Kosar’s number needs to be retired. Any time a significant portion of your fan base remembers dressing up as a player for Halloween as a kid, that guy’s jersey needs to on display at the stadium. Seriously, how many of us donned the #19 jersey/plastic helmet combo at some point in our childhoods? *raises hand. I’ve never been to a Browns game in person (with the exception of some preseason tickets I once got for free), but I would pay to be at the game where Bernie’s number was honored. Memo to the Browns: someone needs to get on this.
Has to be Bernie Kosar.
Omar! Class act and model citizen.
gotta go with Omar – 11 time Gold Glove – made so many plays to keep the Tribe in big games – great #2 hitter too
Honestly, I would be most disheartened to see anyone wear #19 but Bernie Kosar.
Simple
TBrown – I raise my hand to that as well. I think 2 years in a row. I thought it was awesome Mom & dad let me dressup as Bernie again, but as an adult, I realize they were just cheap-HA!
Bernie Kosar without a doubt
Ozzie all the way.
My apologies to Anthony Parker, but I believe the number 18 should be retired for Mr. John “Hot Rod” Williams. Played 9 of his 13 seasons with the Cavs, having his best season in 89-90, averaging 16.8 ppt, 2.04 bpg, and 8.1 rpg. I was always a big fan.
I will also say that Bernie’s number should be retired. Honestly, i didn’t realize it wasn’t till i read someone’s post above.
Eric Plunk or Joe Borowski, can’t decide. They could make any game interesting no matter how much the Indians were leading by.
I like Tim @37′s mention of Ray Chapman. There were a couple other guys from those pre-number days who might deserve to have a spot on the wall of honor at the Jake: Tris Speaker, Nap Lajoie, Stanley Coveleskie and, what the heck, Louis Sockalexis. (Most of these guys are honored in Heritage Park at the Jake, which is a really neat place if you haven’t visited it yet.)
Hall of Fame status isn’t enough for me to support retiring Ozzie’s number. The Browns have numerous other HOFers whose numbers are still being used.
#32 Jim Brown
#19 Bernie. He is as much a legend as any Browns player in the history of the franchise. He emboied Cleveland pride and is still giving his best efforts for Cleveland football. That’s dedication.
It has to be #7 of the Tribe, Mr. Kenny Lofton. One of my all time favorite indians. Ever since he left the Tribe have seriously been lacking a true leadoff hitter.
Whoops – my bad, didn’t know JB’s number was retired.
Gotta go with #82 Ozzie Newsome. No doubt.
Can you imagine the chorus of boos and the throwing of bottles, even batteries, that would occur if a new Brown suited up in #19?
I think the most appropriate number to be retired next for any of our beloved franchises would be the #99, by the Browns, to honor the fans. We, the fans, were responsible for fighting the NFL to keep the team history in Cleveland and we are the ones who have stood by our team through thin times. I chose #99 since that is the year we fans triumphed in bringing our Browns back to the NFL. There would be no franchise if it weren’t for our passion. We deserve it.
My answer: #99 – The Fans
I would Elvis my TV if another Brown wore 19.
My heart says Bernie, even if Ozzie might be more deserving.
well seeing as Omar still plays (my vote would go to him), I guess he’s ineligible for this. So I would have to go with Bernie Kosar
Wide receiver Frisman Jackson wore No. 19 for a time. He played for the Browns from 2002 through 2005, although I think he might have changed numbers a time or two. Nobody seemed to care back then that somebody was wearing Bernie’s number. On the other hand, it used to bug me that Braylon Edwards wore Brian Sipe’s old number.
Danny Ferry…boooyah!
#15 (right?) Sandy Alomar Jr. for being one of the most memorable Indians players of my lifetime and always AT LEAST being solid. Not to mention a 6x all-star during his decade in Cleveland. Oh, and now he’s back!
Bernie has to be the guy. I can’t think of a player from the last 25 years that is more associated with the Browns.
Bernie Kosar’s #19, no question. I still can’t believe they let Richard Alston rock 19 a few years back. Bernie was a hometown boy, a winner, and is still a part of the organization. Go to any Browns game and you’re bound to see just as many Kosar jerseys, as you are of current players. Go Brownies!
IF I have to pick a guy then it’s
Kosar.
Then Vizquel then Price.
Truth be told I don’t want anyone retired until they bring me a ring!
@73
MrCleaveland, those years were during my Columbus stint.
Well, how soon they forget.
Life goes on.
Hanna Montana.
#13 Omar Vizquel. He meant so much to this city for so long. He was the last piece left from out glory years for a few seasons. I was at his last home game, and will never forget it.
Omar. He was the last remaining player from the 90s powerhouse teams and the best defensive shortstop of all time, not to mention the fan favorite for a good 10 years. I like Asdrubal as much as the next guy, but no one should be allowed to wear 13.
Ozzie Newsome. I have the jersey, love the jersey and that is all I have to say.
Guh! I was waiting for comment 82 just for that reason!!
OZZIE, hands down.
I can’t disagree with Bernie, but I can say I would expect Charles Nagy to get his number retired in the same way that you will see Z’s. Nagy was loyal, consistent, and everything you would want in a veteran pitcher for the tribe. No dreams of making millions with the Yanks, did his job for the playoffs, and was just humble as ever. And now he’s back with the Clippers to coach pitching? Thumbs-up, Chuck.
Got to go with Ozzie and Sandy, two of my favorite players growing up. To be fair, Carlos Baerga was my actual favorite Tribesman, but not sure he is deserving enough.
Joey Cora’s #28, hands down. As an Indians fan, those were the best 24 games of my life.
Sandy Alomar provided Tribe fans with many memorable moments over his career and was clearly the leader in the Indian clubhouse.
Going back to unsung heroes. webster slaughter is my pick!
One more vote for Bernie Kosar.
Omar Vizquel!
That’s it…I don’t feel like I need to give any explanation with this one…
Definitely Herb Score.
I personally say Clay Matthews #57! 19 season with the Browns that is amazing! He was a powerhouse in the middle and from what I have read a real stand up guy!
While I’ve had many favorites growing up that have been mentioned (Kenny Lofton, Mark Price, Sandy Alomar Jr., Omar, etc.), I have to say that in my heart of hearts Bernie Kosar is, of course, numero uno. Who did an entire generation of kids dress up as with that itchy #19 uniform knock-off and plastic helmet – both boys and (hello) girls alike? I wore that thing out in 90+ degree heat at training camps just to catch his attention! Whose Louie-Louie rip off can I still sing to this day both sober and drunk? Who has a t-shirt sitting on that wonderful HomageClothing website himself, as an advertisement for Presidency? What copy of the Plain Dealer does my old man have saved, moreso than any other significant event in worldwide history: it is the paper of the DAY AFTER KOSAR WAS LET GO.
But most importantly and best of all, who loved this city back as much as Cleveland loved him? Kosar. For any dedicated fan growing up in a city many outsiders love(d) to call the “Mistake by the Lake,” Bernie loved this place for all of the beer-guzzling, dawg-pound brawling, blue collared people we are and were. We didn’t have to worry about every man in the media speculating the way they do about Lebron after this season, we were never insecure about Kosar’s commitment to us. Cleveland might’ve been that homely looking girl at the prom, but Kosar was the prom king that loved every last thing about us.
And then Belichick spilled the pig’s blood all over our heads. But I digress. Bernie defined the organization and the city during his time as a Cleveland Brown and his commitment reigns so supreme that the man is STILL around, to this day, no matter how difficult to watch we may be. I certainly know his preseason commentary is one of the highlights of my late summer weekends. Serious.
No one else on that field would even look right in a #19 jersey. It belongs on Kosar and the fans of Cleveland.
Gotta go with Omar. Most beloved shortstop ever, and those bare-handed grabs always amazed me. Plus, he’s got my lucky number 13!
While I agree with many names on here the one I will always have a place for in my heart is Manny Ramirez. I really loved watching him play even all the miscues it was extremely entertaining. I know he is still playing but I think he will be in the Hall and he was an Indians icon in the 90′s.
This is not to say he should get it before say Bernie or Ozzie just wanted to head off the beaten path for a deserving name.
Ozzie, Herb Score and of course, Rocky Colavito…
I gotta put my vote on Ozzie. Hall of Fame status really cements my decision
Omar….. class act all the way
Kenny Lofton!!!
He ignited the Indians teams throughout the 90′s. On those amazing teams, he was overlooked and that sucks. He was a GREAT fielder, good OnBase %, BA, and hits, an every year All-Star who deserved much more recognition than he gets. His steal of Home on the past ball in the World Series is one of my favorite sports memories. IF we would have won that Series, that play would be LEGENDARY!!! Give the guy his due.
Let’s go with Ferry when Lebron resigns this summer
You gotta go with Eric Turner here. He was a great player in franchise history, a top Safety who unfortunately died when he was playing for the Raiders.
Don’t laugh……. Mike Hargrove. The Human Rain Delay. =)
Omar is my choice by far.He was amazing here in cleveland.
Has to be Bernie. I still receive that greeting card with the picture of him under center in the snow from family members in Cleveland.
Or Rick Vaughn.
Colavito
Matthews
Kemp
Bernie Kozar. I also have that copy of the newspaper when he was let go. Wow. I still want a Kozar jersy as well.
Jim brown
It’s interesting to see the responses here, and how they correlate to the site’s demographics. Myself, I’m squarely in the Kosar, Newsome (loved the guy until he ended up in Baltimore), Vizquel, Lofton camp; which puts my Cleveland sports formative years in the mid-eighties to mid-nineties.
Browns: 1) Ozzie Newsome
2) Bernie Kosar
Indians: 1) Omar (if he ever stops playing ! LOL!)
2) Herb Score (should have done it before he passed away)
From my lifetime I’d say Omar, but how about Bob Lemon?
My vote is for Bernie Kosar!! Plus the inaugaration ceremony would be fantastic with him being drunk and all!!!
I’m all for Sandy Alomar #15…… He is my always personal favorite and I’ll be happy to see him back at the Jake next year. It would be way cool to retire his number and have him show up wearing it coaching. If I could have a second chance to name someone, it has to be Omar. I was at the game last year when he had returned to the Jake. Everyone loves Omar and gave him THE BEST standing ovation ever. So because he is so well loved and such an awesome player on the field, I’m probably going to disqualify myself by voting for these two men. oh well. By the way, you have some great prizes this year for the contest, yeah.
I agree with s-dub. Bernie was over rated but for what he meant to this town, they should definately retire his number.
Bernie Kosar. There are other players that have had greater careers but none of them mean as much to the city as Bernie does.
FYI – Mark Price’s 25 IS retired at the Q, so is Brad’s #43 and Larry #22.
My top 5:
5. Craig Ehlo (#3)
4. Kevin Mack & Leroy Hoard (#34 and #44)
3. Charles Nagy
2. Ozzie
AND
1. Clay Matthews (#57)… hands down – the man deserves to be in the HOF
though im sure several others may be more deserving, bernie kosar makes the most sense. would seem blasphemous for someone to wear his number in cleveland. my question is, has any browns qb used the number since him? i cant think of one, nor can i find a decent place to find such information.
Ozzie Newsome should have his number retired
dieken and thomas(when he retires)for their work on the field and on raidio and tv.
Thanks mgbode. I should have included those numbers in the post I suppose.
Jaret Wright…How else would we have gotten to the 97′ Series?
It has to be Bernie Kosar’s #19. He wanted to play for Cleveland and engineered a way to make that happen. Enough said!
Defiantly Bernie, #19.
First thought that came to my mind was Omar, but Bernie is up there too (though I never saw him play).
Ozzie, Bernie, and Kenny.
I can’t say Ozzie cause he’s a traitor, so I gotta agree with almost everyone else and say Bernie
kenny lofton #7. great indian, he made me want to play the outfield as a kid!
I have to agree with Kenny Lofton…. What a great player to watch, when I think back on those Indians I always think lofton first.
Based on numbers, I feel like I have to go with Albert Belle #2. Ignoring the many off the field incidents, Belle was a vital part of the Tribe’s domination in the 90s, and still holds the Indians Slugging Percent record.
It’s got to be Ozzie Newsome.
Let’s go with Ozzie’s #82 for the Browns. Hall of Famer, transcendent at his position. Forever long career as only a Brown. So I’ll go with Ozzie.
Sandy alomar. Class act
The greatest RB in Cleveland Browns history…. Eric Metcalf
Thinking back to my childhood (when the Browns were good). One name comes to mind… BERNIE!
p.s. Did anyone see him in the “U” on Saturday? There was nothing sober about him.
Charles nagy for sure. With Sandy, omar, and kenny following.
Clay Matthews… grew up watching him and should be next HOF inductee for the Browns
Steve Everitt
#81 Michael Jackson for confusing the crap out of me when I was a kid…..I thought the king of pop played football for the Browns, but couldn’t figure out why he didn’t look the same on the football field as he did in the music videos
I look forward to the day Omar’s number is retired. He gets my vote all the way.
Gotta be Bernie. Every time I see a #19 I think of him. All my Browns jerseys are #19. I even have a “Kosar for President” t-shirt from Homage.
Just for the record, I bought the t-shirt. I don’t work for Homage or anything like that…please don’t disqualify me
Mark Price…no doubt
Childhood hero, Bernie Kosar.
The original Wizard of OZ…….Ozzie Newsome
I’m going to have to say Kenny Lofton. He was a great player in his prime, came back and helped a lot in 07, and essentially retired with the Tribe. I was sad when we didn’t even offer him a contract in 08.
20 Frank Robinson (already retired by Orioles and Reds)
Michael Jordan: basketball::Jackie Robinson: baseball?!
Don’t think so. Luv ya Lebron and sell all the shirts you want, but don’t retire 23 throughout basketball.
44 Leroy Kelly
66 Gene Hickerson
Definitely Bernie Kosar.
Bernie Kosar
#7 – K-Lo
Gotta go with Ozzie Newsome like so many others.