Razor Shines on Indy Indians retiring jersey: ‘I’m gonna be brought to tears.’

Razor Shines was watching ESPN’s “First Take” in his Orlando living room Wednesday when he got the call. On the other end of the line was Indianapolis Indians CEO Bruce Schumacher, GM Randy Lewandowski and Director of Communications Cheyne Reiter. Shines thought he was getting a call about a 40th-anniversary reunion for the Indians’ American Association pennant. 

But the front office members were reaching out to Shines for a more personal announcement. He was going to be the first player in franchise history to get his number retired.

“I was speechless,” Shines said. “I didn’t exactly know what to say. For the first time in my life, I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t clearly say what I was thinking. … I’m not able to grasp what I’m thinking and how I feel.”

On Saturday, Sept. 14, Shines’ No. 3 jersey will be retired at Victory Field. It will be part of a three-day “Razor Shines Weekend” to close out the Indians’ regular season, as Shines will throw out the first pitch and sign autographs on Sept. 13 and Sept. 15. 

Shines — born Anthony Razor Shines — played for the Indians for nine years over two stints from 1984-89 and 1991-93. Shines became a fan favorite and an Indy sports hero during his time with the Triple-A baseball club. 

With the Colts struggling after their move from Baltimore in 1984 and the Pacers being at the bottom of the NBA pre-Reggie Miller, the Indians were the most successful pro team in town. Shines was a stalwart for the Indians during four consecutive American Association championships (1986-89) and two Triple-A Classic championships in 1988 and 1989.

“We were the dominant sports figure in the city, let me put it that way,” Shines said. “We won on a yearly basis, and we expected to. And I think most fans fall in love with winners, and that’s what we were.”

Shines contributed to 10 total championships for the Indians in the 1980s, the most by any player in franchise history. He ranks top-five in Indians history in home runs (T-3rd, 68), RBIs (4th, 404) and doubles (5th, 138). The Durham, N.C. native started for the Indians in every postseason game during his first tenure with the organization.

Shines became a beloved personality due to his community involvement in Indianapolis. He always sought to set an admirable example for kids who came to Indians games and saw him outside the ballpark. 

“If it was clinics that had to be attended by Indians players, speaking engagements by Indians players, I wanted to be the one out front,” Shines said. “I wanted to be the one to set an example for the Indianapolis Indians.”

Whenever Shines returns to Indians games, he’s greeted by spectators who watched him play as children nearly 40 years ago, as they often come to games with their kids.

Shines played 68 games in MLB in short stints with the Montreal Expos from 1983-1987. The Expos drafted Shines in the 18th round of the 1978 MLB draft, and he remained in the organization until his final pro season in 1993.

Shines credits Indians Chairman Emeritus Max Schumacher for his illustrious career in Indianapolis. Schumacher — the former GM, President and Chairman of the Board for the club — developed an everlasting relationship with Shines during his career.

“This man has been more than a general manager to me,” Shines said. “He’s been a father figure to me. I respect him so much. It is unbelievable the respect and love I have for Max Schumacher. It is unmatched in baseball.”

After retiring from playing, Shines spent decades as a coach and manager in the minor leagues and MLB. He now lives in Orlando where his two children and three grandchildren reside. He volunteers with his 7-year-old grandson Riley’s baseball team. Riley shares the “Razor” middle name that began with Shines’ father, Curtis Razor Shines.

Shines will be joined by children and grandchildren when the Indians immortalize his accomplishments in September.

“I’m gonna be brought to tears,” Shines said of the Sept. 14 ceremony. “I say that because even the first time it was mentioned to me, I got weak and I could feel a tear or two running down my face. So I know once I start to thank people that deserve to be thanked, give people credit that deserve that credit, it’s gonna get to me a little bit.”