Former Cubs and Indians Player Reflects on Time with Both Teams

Shorty Raudman was with both the Cubs and the Indians. He now lives in the Northland and is rooting on the Cubs.

One Northland man can watch the World Series with a perspective that few if any have. He wore the jersey of both teams in his playing career.

Robert “Shorty” Raudman was a center fielder who played baseball for eight seasons. He played most of his career with the Cubs until he was traded to the Indians.

Some memories have come and gone, but like with the crack of the bat those on the diamond shine.

These days, Robert “Shorty” Raudman is a man of few words, but he loves to talk baseball.

“We had a good team with them,” said Raudman when remembering his Cubs teams of the 1960’s.

Raudman got the nickname “Shorty” in Little League because he was smaller than the other players.

“Everything comes as Shorty,” said Raudman.

His story grew as he made it to the major leagues with the Chicago Cubs.

Raudman played center field for a team that has seen its share of losing.

“They’re all pros nothing to cry about, you come in, you get it out of your mind,” said Raudman.

Now Raudman said he’s excited to watch the Cubs play in the World Series.

“It’s great they finally made it to the World Series,” said Raudman.

As exciting as each pitch can be, Raudman also loved to race motorcycles. However, that passion didn’t fare well with a former manager.

“He wrote an article saying I have a hell’s angel in the clubhouse because Shorty rode dirtbikes because he didn’t like him to do that in the summer,” said Rita Raudman, Shorty’s wife.

Shorty was eventually traded to the Indians and then was traded to the Reds. He’s proud of his eight years of baseball and the memories that live with every hit and homerun.

“It’s everyone’s dream, you don’t get that everyday,” said Raudman.

During his career, Raudman played with some of the greats like Ernie Banks and Pete Rose.

He moved to the Northland because his wife is originally from the area. He once played at Wade Stadium when he was playing for St. Cloud..