New Indians general manager Frank Lane makes his first trade for Cleveland, sending starting pitcher Early Wynn and outfielder Al Smith to the Chicago White Sox for former Tribe outfielder Minnie Minoso and infielder Fred Hatfield.
Minoso returns to Cleveland, where he began his MLB career in 1949. In his seven years in Chicago, he was a five-time All-Star, including the recently concluded 1957 season. He will spend two years in Cleveland before being dealt again to the Pale Hose.
Wynn was also an All-Star in 1957, despite finishing the year with his first losing record in nine seasons with the Tribe. The 37-year-old, thought to be slowing some, will play five seasons in Chicago and will win his first and only Cy Young Award in 1959. He will return to Cleveland in 1963 and will notch his final big league win – the 300th of his career – in an Indians uniform.
Smith, a former All-Star in 1955 with Cleveland, will spend five seasons in the Windy City and will be an All-Star in 1960. He will return briefly to the shores of Lake Erie in 1964.
Hatfield will play just three games for the Indians before a trade to the Cincinnati Reds in April. He will appear in three games for the Reds before being purchased back by Cleveland a month later. He is traded away a year later to the Los Angeles Dodgers, never to suit up at the Major League level again.