10 years ago, the Cleveland Guardians enjoyed a special season. No, it didn’t yield a World Series title, but it was a magical campaign that saw the team compete for the trophy. They were one win shy of lifting their first Fall Classic title since 1948.
The Guardians even had a 3-1 lead in the series and came back from the dead in the eighth inning of Game 7, thanks to Rajai Davis’ game-tying two-run shot against Aroldis Chapman. Ultimately, however, the Chicago Cubs prevailed in extras and won it all.
The fact that Cleveland lost doesn’t mean the season was a waste. Quite the contrary, in fact: they, after all, went to a World Series, which hadn’t happened since 1997. That’s special in its own right.
The team has prepared a series of pregame activities for Friday as they celebrate the tenth anniversary of that 2016 American League pennant.
“Join us as we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of our 2016 American League Pennant on Friday,” the Cleveland Guardians wrote.
Join us as we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of our 2016 American League Pennant on Friday. 🚩#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/BZBuHDoNr2
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) May 14, 2026
There will be a pregame ceremony involving some members of the 2016 roster, and Corey Kluber will throw the ceremonial first pitch to Yan Gomes. They were two key members of that postseason run, with the former securing two of Cleveland’s three victories in the series and posting a 2.81 ERA.
Additionally, fans will have a chance to take pictures with the 2016 American League championship trophy. There will also be a fireworks show after the game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Jose Ramirez is the lone member of the 2026 Guardians who was around 10 years ago when the organization was on the brink of glory. He will be the first one to tell you that he wants not only to re-live those days, but wrap up the title this time.
Some will find Friday’s celebrations bittersweet because of the final result, but it was a year to remember in recent Guardians history. Winning or losing isn’t everything in sports: sometimes, it’s about the memories built along the way. And there were plenty of those in 2016, one of them being Ramirez’s ascension to stardom. Since then, his career soared.
NEXT: Analyst Names Guardians' Top Prospect Trade Chip
