5/17/13 @Classic Park
It was my first game in a month, and I was excited! The game was to start at 6:30. My dad got home and we left at 5:30. Plenty of time to get a ball, right?
Wrong.
Traffic. Traffic. More traffic. It sucked. We bought our tickets and got into the stadium at 6:15ish. I headed over to where the Captains were warming up. This was my view:
There were some players doing a hitting drill:
I saw starter Luis DeJesus warming up:
With catcher Jeremy Lucas:
Pitching Coach Steve Karsay was observing and giving tips:
LeVon Washington did some running:
Eventually, DeJesus finished warming up and another pitcher, Josh Martin, did a drill with catcher Jeremy Lucas where Lucas would block a ball that bounced in the dirt. Martin was close to me so I said, “Hey Josh, any chance for one of those when you are done?”.
“Yeah,” Martin said. “One sec.”
They finished right after that and Martin tossed it to me. I was finally on the board for the season!
I then went over to our seats:
I got some good pictures of Tin Caps players Jeremy Blatz:
And Zach Eflin:
After that, my dad and I headed over to use the bathroom and find something to eat. I got chicken tenders and fries with a blue powerade, while my dad opted for a cheeseburger, italian sausage and a bottle of water (Their hotdogs suck).
Later in the game I went over to the outfield. I got a photo of the TinCaps bullpen:
I then headed over to the left/center field berm:
Just in time for the fish race! (Willy Walleye won if you care):
I headed back to our seats to see Scooter Tucker taking DeJesus out:
Overall, it was a good game. The Captains lost, but they played a good game.
STATS:
•1 ball today
•1 ball in 2 games this season
•5 career baseballs
Jeremy Guthrie Interview
Jared S. – What was it like to be traded?
Jeremy Guthrie – It is relatively easy, typically you know players on other teams from playing against them. Baseball is like one big family. Moving is the toughest part, especially for families.
J.S. – What were the minor leagues like?
J.G. – Minor leagues are a grind but a great place to prepare for what you will encounter in major leagues.
J.S. – What was your favorite game to pitch in your career so far?
J.G. – Favorite game pitch in was first start in Fenway.
J.S. – What are your thoughts on Kauffman Stadium?
J.G. – Kauffman is a beautiful stadium, love it there.
J.S. – Rapid Fire time! Favorite Major League stadium?
J.G. – Angel Stadium.
J.S. – Favorite Teammates?
J.G. – Some of my favorite teammates are Kevin Millar, Troy Tulowitzki, Todd Helton, Jason Giambi, Adam Jones, JJ Hardy, Brain Matusz, Bruce Chen
4/8/13 @ Progressive Field
It was the Cleveland Indians 2013 Home Opener! Adding the likes of Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher to the team was awesome, thinking about how we are no trying to win.
Anyway, saying it was packed was an UNDERSTATEMENT. This game sold out in 6 minutes on the day when they first started selling tickets.
As we headed to the game, I got my first view of the Cleveland skyline:
![DSCN0209[1]](http://superslugger.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dscn02091.jpg)
We arrived around 11:00 AM. We went over to the Winking Lizard Tavern to get something to drink. Well as it turns out, EVERYONE ELSE had the same idea. We were packed it. It was hot in their. And stuffy. We rejoiced when someone opened the door. Anyway, we (My dad and I.) were given a waiting ticket with the number “459″ on it. We went over to the bar area and watched some MLB Network. 5 minutes went by. 10 minutes went by. Eventually, it had been an HOUR AND A HALF since we went in. The gates were to be opening in half an hour. We already got drinks, but we left anyway and headed over to the ballpark. I got in line at the gate. This was my view about 25 minutes before gates opened:
![DSCN0210[1]](http://superslugger.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dscn02101.jpg)
About 25 people or so in front of us. Once the gates opened, I handed my stuff to my dad and headed over to right field. I was the first one out there. It was quite funny, as the Yankees were on the field and I had my Nick Swisher jersey on and my Indians BP hat. I nonchalantly took my jersey off, revealing the colors of the “Evil Empire” underneath. Since my dad had my bag (which was loaded with stuff ), I only had my shirt, leaving my hat in the bag. I also had nowhere to put my Indians clothes. I tried to hide them as well as I could.
Eventually, a father and his young son stood next to me. I think it was Boone Logan who tossed a ball in our direction. I lunged for it, forgetting who was next to me. There was a struggle over it, but the father won. I realized what I had done, and was horrified. I just completely forgot there was a 2 year old standing next to me. He did get the ball, and I was happy for him.
Also surprisingly, I was wearing Yankees stuff. The people who got balls were wearing Indians stuff. Other than that, it was dead.
No balls came my way, all hit ones to the left of me and all the ones hit to the right of me, into the bullpen.
Here are some photos I took:
![DSCN0211[1]](http://superslugger.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dscn02111.jpg)
A Yankee hitting in the cage (Anyone know who it is? I assume it’s Francisco Cervelli).
![DSCN0212[1]](http://superslugger.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dscn02121.jpg)
Ichiro Suzuki going after a ball.
![DSCN0213[1]](http://superslugger.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dscn02131.jpg)
Boone Logan watching the hitters.
Did I mention it was dead?
It was that kind of a day.
YAWN
I got a photo of the Opening Day scoreboard graphic:
![DSCN0214[1]](http://superslugger.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dscn02141.jpg)
I started walking around once the Yankees cleared the field and took a semi-panorama behind home plate:
![DSCN0216[1]](http://superslugger.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dscn02161.jpg)
I went and grabbed a $3 hot dog (Prices were lowered during the offseason. I was stoked to learn that hot dogs would be $3.25 cheaper) then headed back to my seat. Later, the pre game festivities began.
The flag was brought out:
![DSCN0230[1]](http://superslugger.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dscn02301.jpg)
And the Yankee starting lineup was announced. Here are the Yankees lined up:
![DSCN0229[1]](http://superslugger.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dscn02291.jpg)
Then the Indians were announced! The voice of the Indians, radio announcer Tom Hamilton, was announcing the player names and was rocking a sweet tux:
![DSCN0262[1]](http://superslugger.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dscn02621.jpg)
Here are some of the player scoreboard graphics:
![DSCN0251[1]](http://superslugger.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dscn02511.jpg)
![DSCN0248[1]](http://superslugger.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dscn02481.jpg)
![DSCN0253[1]](http://superslugger.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dscn02531.jpg)
Once the intros were over, they had the ceremonial first pitch. Every player on the Indians who had a baseball playing dad was to catch their father’s first pitch. These were The McAllisters, The Brantley’s, The Swisher’s, The Francona’s, and the Alomar’s:
![DSCN0268[1]](http://superslugger.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dscn02681.jpg)
(I bet you’re thinking “Hey, there are only 4 players and 5 fathers.” Terry was hiding. he isn’t in this photo, but he was next to Swisher).
They then let out a bunch of balloons:
![DSCN0263[1]](http://superslugger.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dscn02631.jpg)
Then the teams went back into their dugouts, five minutes to first pitch. Here is a shot of some Indians in the dugout:
![DSCN0272[1]](http://superslugger.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dscn02721.jpg)
About 5 minutes later, the Indians ran out onto the field! I got good photos of Drew Stubbs and Michael Bourn warming up:
![DSCN0275[1]](http://superslugger.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dscn02751.jpg)
![DSCN0276[1]](http://superslugger.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dscn02761.jpg)
Then, my camera battery died.
Anyway, the Indians lost. It was a close game until the Yankees pulled away. The Indians tried to rally late in the 8th. Ryan Raburn hit a homer to right. I was stationed on the home run porch. After an out, Mike Aviles stepped up to the plate. With his goofy batting stance and upper arm strength, he crushed a ball on to the porch. I was on the chase. As I ran, I got hockey checked, ending my pursuit. The video is here (See if you can find me. I’m wearing a white home jersey and a red hat.) I missed out on that ball.
At the end of the game, I headed over to the umpire tunnel. Nothing.
How about the dugouts? Zip.
I headed back to my seats to catch up with my dad and we left.
STATS
0 Balls snagged in 1 MLB game.
David Aardsma Interview
Jared S. – Who was your favorite team to play for and why?
David Aardsma – I grew up a Cubs fan so it was a dream come true playing for them but every organization was good and bad in different ways. I have really enjoyed my time with the Yankees so far. Some teams when you walk in to spring just have a feeling about them. You just know it’s gonna be a good year.
J.S. – What was your worst injury?
D.A. – The elbow definitely took much longer. And it’s more of a mental injury than anything.
J.S. – What was it like to be drafted?
D.A. – I was nervous and excited at the same time. I wasn’t listening to the draft so I had to wait for the official phone call from the team. It took a while for the team to call me so I was really nervous I didn’t get drafted.
J.S. – Who was your favorite player growing up?
D.A. – Like I said, I grew up a big Cubs fan. So my favorite player was Ryne Sandberg. I got to meet him in ‘06, it was a dream come true.
J.S. – Do you have any pre game rituals?
D.A. – Yes but too many to mention. Well, I don’t call them rituals more of routines. I do them so no matter what stadium or city I am in, mentally I am in the same place.
J.S. – Rapid Fire Time! Favorite Stadium Pitched in?
D.A. – San Diego (PetcoPark)
J.S. – Favorite baseball memory?
D.A. – Winning the College World Series (With RiceUniversity in 2003)
J.S. – Best prank you pulled on a teammate?
D.A. – We pranked an entire bullpen one time (can’t give details)
Proposed Progressive Field Renovations
Brendan Weingarten recently did a post on Proposed Citi Field Renovations he would make. It got me thinking as to what Progressive Field could change.
1. Upper Reserved Seats
They serve no purpose, except for when the Indians sell out games (which is hardly ever). Every time I go to the ballpark, it is empty. Remove it, and we can see if our cars are being stolen or broken into.
2. The Away Bullpen
You can’t remove it, but you can move it. Move it to where the home bullpen is and make it look like like the bullpens at Citizens Bank Park:
3. The Fancy Shmansy Season Ticket Field Level Seats
They just suck. There is hardly anywhere to get to them, and I used to like being right behind the dugout without having to purchase season tickets.
2013 Season Predictions
It’s almost time for the season to start, and I realized I haven’t posted about my season predictions. So, here they are:
AL East
1. Blue Jays
2. Yankees
3. Rays
4. Orioles
5. Red Sox
AL Central
1. Tigers
2. Indians
3. White Sox
4. Royals
5. Twins
AL West
1. Angels
2. Athletics
3. Rangers
4. Astros
5. Mariners
Wild Card – Indians over Yankees
NL East
1. Nationals
2. Braves
3. Phillies
4. Mets
5. Marlins
NL Central
1. Reds
2. Cardinals
3. Brewers
4. Pirates
5. Cubs
NL West
1. Giants
2. Diamondbacks
3. Dodgers
4. Rockies
5. Padres
Wild Card – Diamondbacks over Cardinals
ALDS – Blue Jays over Indians
Tigers over Angels
NLDS – Giants over Diamondbacks
Nationals over Reds
ALCS – Blue Jays over Tigers
NLCS – Nationals over Giants
World Series
Game 1 – Blue Jays
Game 2 – Blue Jays
Game 3 – Nationals
Game 4 – Nationals
Game 5 – Nationals
Game 6 – Nationals
World Series Champions – Washington Nationals
World Series MVP – Jayson Werth
AL MVP – Jose Reyes
NL MVP – Jayson Werth
AL Cy Young – C.C. Sabathia
NL Cy Young – Cole Hamels
AL Manager of the Year – John Gibbons
NL Manager of the Year – Kirk Gibson
AL Rookie of the Year – Manny Machado
NL Rookie of the Year – Shelby Miller
AL Rolaids Relief Man of the Year – Vinnie Pestano
NL Rolaids Relief Man of the Year – Rafael Soriano
AL Comeback Player of the Year – Sergio Santos
NL Comeback Player of the Year – Carl Crawford
All Star Game MVP – Todd Frazier
Prog Fest 2013 : First Post
Hello everybody! The season is just about to start and I couldn’t be happier. Anyway, Brendan Weingarten from Take The 7 To Citi and I have partially planned a ballhawk fest at Progressive Field! We have already added New York ballhawk, Chris Hernandez. If you would like to come, here is the info:
- Contact me on Twitter and only twitter.
- You must buy your own ticket.
- The game is September 7 vs the Mets with first pitch slated at 6:05 PM.
- I must some what know you.
So if you would like to come, contact me at @Dat_Dude_JS on Twitter or Brendan Weingarten at @MLBrendan.
NOTE: WE ARE JUST GOING TO THE GAME. NOTHING BEFORE OR AFTER.
Participants so far:
Jared Serre (Me)
Brendan Weingarten
Chris Hernandez
Robbie Sacunas
Interview with Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper, 20, is an outfielder for the Washington Nationals. He was drafted first overall in the 2010 draft. He won the Golden Spikes Award and after a stellar rookie season, the Rookie of the Year award.
Jared S. – What was it like to be drafted first overall in the draft?
Bryce Harper – That’s a clown question, bro.
J.S. – What is your favorite part about playing in the major leagues?
B.H. - That’s a clown question, bro.
J.S. – What award was your favorite to win: the Golden Spikes Award or the NL Rookie of the Year?
B.H. - That’s a clown question, bro.
J.S. – Why did you hold out until the last minute to sign your first contract?
B.H. - That’s a clown question, bro.
J.S. – Which position do you enjoy playing more: outfield or catcher?
B.H. - That’s a clown question, bro.
J.S. – What do you think of the statement manager Davey Johnson made, deciding to step down as manager after this season?
B.H. - That’s a clown question, bro.
Indians Spring Training Update: February 26 Plus Some Season Plans
I type this as we are facing the Kansas City Royals. We put our perfect 5-0 record on the line. It’s funny when I look back to last year and realize we only had around 7 wins in spring training. On the twenty-second, we faced the Reds from Cincinnati. Close, but a pretty high scoring game.
Indians – 11, Reds – 10
Indians 1-0
The next day, we faced the Cincy Redlegs once more. Was another high scoring battle, but the Reds couldn’t keep up.
Indians – 13, Reds – 10
Indians 2-0
We faced the Reds again for the last time (yay!) in this series (awww! I swear, the Reds wear on your soul.) It was a close game all the way.
Indians – 3, Reds – 0
Indians 3-0
And, the Indians played a splitsquad game in Maryville against the Brewers.
Indians – 7, Brewers – 4
Indians 4-0
Than yesterday (Monday), we faced the reigning AL West champion, Oakland Athletics.
Indians – 14, Athletics, 10
Indians 5-0
It is raining right now in Cleveland; a total downpour. Billy Butler just went yard for the Royals making it 4-0 in the bottom of the 5th inning.
In other news, Indians tickets went on sale yesterday at 10:00. But I did get tickets to the Home Opener on April 8 against the Yankees. Roll Tribe!
