The Akron RubberDucks is a minor league baseball team that competes in the Western Division of the Eastern League. Founded in 1980, the team is based in Akron, Ohio and plays its home games at Canal Park. Though it was originally linked with the Pittsburgh Pirates and other MLB organizations, the franchise now acts as the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. Notable players to have once played for the RubberDucks include Albert Belle, Manny Ramirez, Marco Scutaro and Jim Thome.