The 1969 Cleveland Indians season was a season in American baseball. The club finished in last place in the newly established American League East with a record of 62 wins and 99 losses. The 1969 season seemed hopeful before the season started, based on the Indians modest 86-75 record the previous season, along with their solid pitching. However, a 1-15 start shattered any illusions of a successful season. Not helping, was that the Indians strong pitching the previous season fell apart. Luis Tiant fell to 9-20 in 1969, and didn't look like the same pitcher from 1968, when he went 21-9, with a 1.60 ERA. Sam McDowell stayed solid at the very least, going 18-14, with a 2.94 ERA. Offseason October 8, 1968: Eddie Fisher was traded by the Cleveland Indians to the California Angels for Jack Hamilton. October 15, 1968: 1968 Major League Baseball expansion draft Chico Salmon was drafted from the Indians by the Seattle Pilots as the 11th pick. Lou Piniella was drafted from the Indians by the Pilots as the 28th pick. Regular season Season standings Record vs. opponents Notable transactions April 10, 1969: Oscar Zamora was released by the Indians. April 19, 1969: Joe Azcue, Vicente Romo and Sonny Siebert were traded by the Indians to the Boston Red Sox for Dick Ellsworth, Ken Harrelson and Juan Pizarro. June 12, 1969: Rob Gardner was traded by the Indians to the New York Yankees for John Orsino. June 20, 1969: Lee Maye was traded by the Indians to the Washington Senators for Bill Denehy and cash. Opening Day Lineup Roster Player stats Batting Starters by position Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Other batters Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Pitching Starting pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Other pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Relief pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts