The LAKE COUNTY CAPTAINS, a Minor League Baseball team based in Eastlake, Ohio, are the High-A Central affiliate of the CLEVELAND GUARDIANS. They currently compete in the Midwest League and play out of Classic Park, which accommodates 6,157 fans.
The team was founded in 1991 as the Columbus Indians in Columbus, Georiga. The following year, it was renamed the Columbus RedStixx. In 2003, the team was moved to Eastlake, in Lake County, to bring it closer to Cleveland. Following the relocation, the team was rebranded as the Captains.
During its inaugural season as the Captains, the team was both the 1st and 2nd Half Northern Division Champions, finishing the season with a record of 97-43, the best regular-season record in professional baseball that year. During the 2010 season, the Captains became the Midwest League Champions. Since this time, however, the Captains have only made the postseason on three occasions.
Franchise records include a 13-game winning streak in 2003, and 10-game losing streaks in 2011 and 2012. Individual player achievements include Steve Kline's 18 wins in 1994 and first baseman Russel Branyan's 40 home runs in 1996.
As of 2023, the Captains' roster included players like pitcher Alaska Abney, first baseman Zac Fascia, and outfielder Jorge Burgos. The team is managed by Omir Santos with a coaching staff that includes Jordan Becker, Kevin Erminio, and Kyle Lindquist.
Players and franchise alumni who have made the transition to Major League Baseball are commemorated at Classic Park with bronze plaques as part of the Lake County Captains' Call-Up Club.
Samuel Trunley