With The Indians clinching the playoffs, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to reflect on all of the things we love about this year's Cleveland Indians. When you come to Progressive Field located on the Corner of Carnegie and Ontario in Cleveland, Ohio you should expect several things. A huge variety of ballpark menu options, local brewery beer selections to start off your night with, and then a nice Cleveland night sky before the first pitch. The Indians are studs on and off the field, but I'm going to focus on their most loveable traits and what really makes them... them!
1. The Team Participates in Outreach Programs.
The Cleveland Indians participates in Kluber's Kids Presented by The Cleveland Clinic in which a couple of kids from the Children's hospital get to watch a VIP batting practice from the dugout, meet the players, and tour the clubhouse. Also, The Tribe joined together with Teamsmile, dentists in Cleveland, and P&G to give children of the Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland dental services. It's a fun filled day and a great opportunity for the kids! Terry Francona, the General Manager has a program called, Friends of Francona and he donates club seats, "fun money", autographed apparel, and they even get their own scoreboard greetings. This team is great and they definitely don't get enough credit for all they do off the field!
2. Tom Hamilton Is The Voice Of The Team.
If you've never heard Tom Hamilton announce a home run and yell, "A Swing and a Drive! Gone!" Then you need to pack your bags and leave Ohio. Tom Hamilton is the energy and voice of the Indians. He is just a total legend and you absolutely can not watch a game from home without him announcing.
3. You Can Get Basically Anything On Your Hotdog.
Literally... Like Fruitloops. It's called the 'Slider Dog' and I would definitely recommend giving it a try.
4. Slider, Our Mascot.
Slider is just our goofy and loveable mascot that loves high fives and taking pictures with the fans!
5. Whoever Runs The Twitter Account Is A Savage.
They do not waste their time on pointless responses, but that's Cleveland in a nutshell for you.
6. We Have Our Very Own Game Winning Theme Song
I mean how does it not make you the happiest person alive when you can chant "CLEVELAND ROCKS, CLEVELAND ROCKS" after a well-deserved win?!?!?
7. Four Words: The Right Field District
How can you beat $13.00 tickets and your first beer or soft drink at The Corner Bar is free? (You can't beat it, so stop while you're ahead). Also, if you catch the sunset while watching the game and when you're winning... There's really nothing better than that!
8. We Support The Team Down The Street
When the Cavaliers had to take care of business for the city of Cleveland, that didn't stop The Indians from showing their support even with their busy schedule!
9. The Way These Guys Celebrate A Win Makes Me So Speechless.
The team rallies together around home plate. Chisenhall is usually running with the drink tray to dump on the players. The team just gets wild and enthusiastic and they don't hold back but that's what makes it great to watch.
10. Terry 'Tito' Francona Is The Glue That Holds The Team Together And I Don't Think He's Going Anywhere Anytime Soon.
Tito became the General Manager of The Cleveland Indians in 2013 and his contract isn't up until 2018. (Thank goodness!) He's a man of very few words but he is definitely not afraid to speak his mind when it's an appropriate time to. That's what we Clevelander's love about him. Tito's alway's stands up for what's right and he's just a great coach and an even better person. The Indians are really lucky to have him.
11. The Indians Have Scored 11 Walk Off Hits This Year.
We're walk off city in the 9th and we will keep it that way.
12. These Guys Love The Kids.
What's more cute than a Professional Baseball Player signing merchandise for a kid before a game?! The answer is NOTHING!
13. Can't Forget The Party At Napoli's!
Indians Fan, Nate Crowe, and some friends, made a sign that read, "Party At Napoli's", that turned into a huge hit. First Basemen and Designated Hitter Mike Napoli has been a wonderful asset to the team and from what everyone says he's quite the partier. When the "Party At Napoli's" message turned into something bigger, Napoli and 108 Stitches (a screen printing company) hooked up and made the "Party at Napoli" T-shirts. Some of the proceeds for the shirts go to the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital.
14. The Tribe Won 14 Games IN A ROW! Even While The Cavs Were In The Finals.
The most wins in franchise history and the 14th game went on for 19 INNINGS against the Toronto Blue Jays.
15. This Team Never Gave Up Or Lost Hope.
Even though we were out some of our key players this year like Michael Brantley, Yan Gomes, and Danny Salazar that never stopped us from being #1 in our League since June. No matter what happens at the end of the season, this team has been fun to watch this year. Congrats on clinching the playoffs boys, I'm ready for a World Series!
#ALLINdians #RALLYTOGETHER
Party at Napoli's Source:http://raycomgroup.worldnow.com/story/32372829/indians-fan-behind-coveted-party-at-napolis-shirt
Indians Outreach Source: http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/cle/community/outreach.jsp
