1. Opening Day.
Opening Day is important. It's one of the greatest days of my existence every single year because I know baseball is finally back and here to stay for a long time. Nothing is better than walking around on cloud nine the whole entire day for the simple reason that the Tribe is back. It's the curiosity of what's to come, it's the crack of the bat, it's a sign that Summer will soon arrive.
2. Edwin Encarnacion's first bat flip as an Indian.
I know we've all thought about it. I know if you're an Indians fan, you've daydreamed about it and drooled over the thought. I know I have! What circumstances will bring about the first bat flip as an Indian? How will the crowd react? What will that moment be like? We all can't wait to see.
3. The Summer fireworks ball games.
What's better than Summer baseball? Summer baseball with fireworks afterwards, of course.
4. The Kipnis and Lindor antics.
We all know that Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor are fun to watch by themselves, but put them together and it's even better. Can't have one without the other. They're like peanut butter and jelly, or cheese and ham. They're the best of friends and it's so obvious every time they play together. I'm very much looking forward to seeing their antics again.
5. New Indians Merchandise.
Who isn't excited about new gear? I love getting new shirts, hoodies, hats, etc. every year. There's always new things to buy and I can never get bored when it comes to finding new Indians merchandise. I'm always oh so willing to spend all of my money and life earnings in one session in order to get that new Tribe hoodie. Who isn't?!
6. The first hit and home run of the new season.
Nothing is better than that first hit of the new season. Other than, of course, the first home run of the new season. The sound the bat makes is like a welcome friend coming back after being away for a long while.
7. First Cubs vs Indians match up of 2017.
Oh yes. I know what you're thinking. You're excited for that? Why? Why do you want to even look at their faces? It may be evil, but because I want to see them get absolutely crushed. I want that first series vs the Cubs to be about nothing but sweet revenge for the Indians, and honestly I can see that happening. If we lose, that's okay. I think we're going to win though, and that gets me excited. I just can't wait to see what happens.
8. That first big celebration.
One of my favorite things to watch are the big celebrations at home when a walk-off happens. I love seeing the players mob each other simply because they're happy. I just love seeing them happy in general. Sometimes it even brings tears to my eyes. It's a touching thing!
9. Fans coming together.
This is a broad topic, and means a number of things. I couldn't possible say every way that Cleveland Indians fans come together during the season. We celebrate together, we're disappointed together, sometimes we even mourn together, like after the 2016 World Series for example. There is no better fan base. I have met so many great people and friends just by being an Indians fan. Truly there is no greater time than during baseball season.
10. The Cleveland Indians in the 2017 World Series.
Yes, this is a bold statement to make. Yes, I'm sure some people think 'no way!' I'm not going to listen to them. If the Cleveland Indians have taught me one thing, (they've taught me way more than just one thing) it's that nobody is going to believe we can do it. Even after getting EE, and having a lot of injured players returning. We're still not going to be the favorites.
Remember how that worked out in 2016? Exactly. So I'm going to predict right here and right now that the 2017 Cleveland Indians will be going to the World Series. Mark my words. Go Tribe!
