They were writing songs in Cleveland about “Super Joe” when he was the 1980 AL Rookie of the Year (.289, 23 HR, 87 RBI). Then came one of the greatest downfalls in player history. He was sent down halfway through 1981 after hitting only .208. He underwent two back operations but never fully recuperated, and was released by the Indians’ AA Buffalo affiliate in May 1983 after giving fans an obscene salute. A “flake” who would dye his hair exotic colors (or shave it off entirely), Charboneau impressed his teammates by opening beer bottles with an eye socket muscle.
