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Downs, Emil “Kaplafka”

Emil "Kaplafka" Downs

Induction Year : 1978

Sport: Baseball

As a Class “E” pitcher-outfielder in 1924 he batted .475 and led the league in strikeouts. Hit .460 and again led the league in strikeouts in Class “D” and became the first member of the Cleveland Press Hall of Fame. After continuing to start in Class “A” amateur ball he signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1929, but injured his leg and returned to amateur baseball, finally retiring in 1944.