Home is wherever your heart is and for me, that place can be found amongst the hustling and bustling of major highways, outlined by tall buildings filling the sky in front of me, a beautiful lake, locally owned shops, and the greatest sports teams and fans you can find anywhere. That place is Cleveland, Ohio.
Just this past summer, the Cleveland Cavaliers triumphed through a tough season, beating out a 3-1 lead the Golden State Warriors held over them, and ended up winning the 2015-2016 NBA Championship. Needless to say, this brought major pride, happiness, and love to the city of Cleveland- uniting us all under one goal, one love, and one major triumph that we so badly needed. This was Cleveland's year. Yet, the winning was far from over.
On Wednesday, October 19, 2016 the Cleveland Indians won the MLB American League Championship Series over the Toronto Blue Jays, crowning them the ALCS Champions. This would mean the city I love, the place I was born and raised, my home would cheer on another team to victory in the World Series against the Chicago Cubs in the same year. Needless to say, the winning high that Cleveland was on wasn't stopping anytime soon. Yet, winning was't what this was all about. Of course winning would be amazing but it was more than winning because winning would mean that a restoration in honor, dignity, and adoration would be in store- and let me just say, the feelings of being a Cleveland fan feel nothing short of being on top of the world.
Once again, it was Cleveland against the world. Cleveland was here to prove to the rest of the world that the place they call "the worst place ever","lame", and "the land of mediocracy" (as one man so insensitively disregarded Cleveland) was nothing like the place they were referring to. In fact, it is a place of hope, devotion, and undying admiration. After talking to a few friends about why they love Cleveland, here are some of the greatest responses I got.
1. "It's amazing the way fans come together. I have never seen a place that shows so much pride in not only their city, but their country. No place I'd rather be."
It's true. I can't leave my house on game day, or not game day, and see Cleveland fans sporting their love for the city they have belonged to for so long. From the Cleveland Browns (were praying for you) to the Cavs, to the Cleveland WINDIANS...cheering you on is nothing short of wonderful. Also, here in Cleveland, so much respect is shown for the United States in general. After all, Cleveland was home to the Republican National Convention. No matter what party you're from, Cleveland comes together for all occasions giving real meaning to "One Nation".
2. "It's home to me. There's a great sense of community and fellowship that's so unique. We win together and we lose together. It's the perfect size and it has a homey feel to it." -John Dosen
"We win together, we lose together." I couldn't have said it better myself. It's not just about the sports aspect though, it's about the way we come together as a community to support, uplift, and defend each other. It doesn't get much better than that.
3. "We're a small, big city. We've always been awesome but have kept to ourselves. Low taxes. Great people. Great traditions." -Matt Gnatowski
Traditions create family, and that's what we are. When you throw in great people, great traditions, and low taxes (nothing like some low taxes to really bring people together), happiness isn't far away. Being great has always been in the blood of Cleveland, and the unleashing of a city on fire is in store. It's our time now.
4. "There is so much to do and we're honesty underrated. Free museums, Little Italy, CAVS AND WINDIANS! Also, the best school ever Saint Joseph Academy."- Emily Hanes
Cleveland wouldn't be Cleveland without the Art Museum, Little Italy, and of course the sports teams. It makes Cleveland who it is. My alma mater, Saint Joseph Academy, is pretty rad as well. Cleveland is home to some of the oldest, yet most distinguished high schools, churches, locally owned shops, family owned restaurants, and culturally diverse neighborhoods. We are unique and that is so extraordinary.
5. "I love Cleveland because it's a beautiful place I call home. I grew up in a family where no matter what, you always watched a Cavs game, Browns game, or Indians game. The Cavs, and now the Indians, showed us there is hope no matter how many losses. Cleveland has the most amazing fans and athletes that work so hard. No one else deserves these wins except us, the place so many call home." -Coletta Fanta
In the midst of the hopefulness the fans share of the Browns, Cavs, and Indians, it is tradition to cheer them on as families!!! There is hope in the air in Cleveland, and the fans and athletes are one. You can't find an empty restaurant, bar, or house in Cleveland on game day, ready to cheer on their teams. As Lebron James said it, "In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given, and everything is earned."
So, the pride of a city on fire for their teams, traditions, humility, sacrifice, hardworking people, unity- these are the things that make Cleveland what they are and the only thing the city should be known for. "The city of mediocracy", as one individual put it, is non-existent. We are Cleveland and we are proud. It's Cleveland against the World.
