The 1972 Cleveland Indians season was the 72nd in franchise history. The team finished fifth in the American League East with a record of 72–84, 14 games behind the Detroit Tigers. Offseason George Steinbrenner offer On December 6, 1971, George Steinbrenner led a group of investors (including Ted Bonda, Ed Jeffrey, Howard Metzenbaum, Steve O'Neill, Gabe Paul and Al Rosen) that negotiated with Jim Stouffer, the son of Indians owner Vernon Stouffer about the potential purchase of the franchise. The group offered $8.6 million and agreed to absorb $300,000 in debt (Stouffer borrowed against the Indians television contract for 1972). Although Steinbrenner and Jim Stouffer agreed to a sale, Vernon Stouffer disapproved of the deal. He felt that he was able of getting $10 million for the franchise. Notable transactions November 29, 1971: Sam McDowell was traded by the Indians to the San Francisco Giants for Gaylord Perry and Frank Duffy. December 2, 1971: Roy Foster, Ken Suarez, Mike Paul, and Rich Hand were traded by the Indians to the Texas Rangers for Del Unser, Gary Jones, Terry Ley, and Denny Riddleberger. December 6, 1971: Adolfo Phillips was purchased by the Indians from the Montreal Expos. Regular season Season standings Record vs. opponents Notable transactions June 6, 1972: 1972 Major League Baseball Draft Rick Manning was drafted by the Indians in the 1st round (2nd pick). Dennis Eckersley was drafted by the Indians in the 3rd round. Player signed June 12, 1972. Rick Langford was drafted by the Indians in the 36th round, but did not sign. September 18, 1972: Lowell Palmer was selected off waivers by the Indians from the St. Louis Cardinals. Opening Day Lineup Roster Player stats Batting Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; AVG = Batting average; SB = Stolen bases Pitching Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; K = Strikeouts Awards and honors All-Star Game Gaylord Perry, pitcher, reserve Farm system Notes References 1972 Cleveland Indians team page at Baseball Reference 1972 Cleveland Indians team page at www.baseball-almanac.com Cleveland Guardians seasons Cleveland Indians season Cincinnati Indians