The crisp winds of October blow through Progressive Field as Tribe fans flood inside to be greeted by the aroma of popcorn and beer. As you sit in your seat, you gaze out onto the freshly cut field and take a deep breath. A feeling washes over you that is so foreign, yet so familiar. Cleveland baseball in October? How could this be? Sure, we've been here before, but somehow this year it feels... different.
With the Cleveland Cavaliers rallying to come back from a 3-1 deficit to clinch the NBA Championship Finals win after over a 50-year-old championship drought, this city's morale is alive and back up on its feet. For once, people actually believe we aren't just the "mistake on the lake", but rather we are much more than that; we are a city with so much passion for our sports teams that we stick with them no matter the outcome. The Cavs big win brought so much life back into the city and I cannot personally thank them enough for that gracious gift. And with this new found excitement, could this possibly become a catalyst for another Cleveland sports team to win a championship in 2016? This situation is almost like seeing your wing-man/woman pick up someone from the bar and them giving you the confidence and telling you to go shoot your shot with the next person that walks through the door.
The people of Cleveland and even non-Clevelanders have a strong love for the city's sports teams, almost equivalent to a real-life relationship if you really think about it. The Browns are that ex that you know is so bad for you and your health, but you can't seem to stay away. The Cavs are the friend that finally got out of the friend zone. The Indians however, are that special ex that hits you up every few years or so to hook up, but nothing substantial ever happens. Yet, this year the Tribe have managed to make us all fall in love with baseball all over again, so why not seal it will a kiss?
Sure, we hear it all the time "Next year is our year", but when are we finally going to put our foot down and say enough is enough? Personally, I'm tired of waiting and I think the time is now.
This is our moment.
Our team.
Our city.
I think this year has something special about it. Maybe I'm just crazy and still have confetti stuck in my hair from the night the Cavs won, but dammit I want another championship for this city. As Lebron would say "Nothing is given, everything is earned", and I most certainly think we've earned another chance at a championship. So to the doubters, welcome to Tribetown, USA, we can't wait to see you at the parade.
And lastly, to the Tribe, what if this year we forget staying on second base, I say let's bring it all the way to home plate.
C'mon Indians, it's time to put a ring on it.
#RollTribe
