Ed Klieman, one of the members of the Cleveland Indians’ 1948 championship team, passes away at 61 in Homosassa, Florida.

“Specs” worked primarily in relief throughout his eight-year Major League career, which included his first six seasons with the Indians from 1943 to 1948. He won as many as eleven games in 1944. In 1947, he led the league in appearances with 58 and saved 17 games. He was 3-2 with a 2.60 ERA for the Tribe in 1948 as the club won its second World Series championship.

Following the season, he was dealt to the Washington Senators with Joe Haynes and Eddie Robinson for Mickey Vernon and Early Wynn. His stay in the nation’s capital was short, as he allowed six runs on eight hits in three innings over two outings and was selected off of waivers by the New York Yankees. Less than two weeks later, the Chicago White Sox purchased him from the Yankees and he appeared in 18 games for the Pale Hose, going 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA. Following the season, he was dealt to the Philadelphia Athletics for Hank Majeski, but appeared in just five games for the A’s, earning no decisions with a 9.53 ERA before his release in June of 1950.