The Cleveland Indians, coming off a one-game postseason, begin their new season this week. I had an opportunity to join the crew back home for the opener but couldn't swing the flights, considering I just went to the Big 10 basketball tourney and am heading to Brazil in June.
I've been to a couple of home openers over the years, most recently in 2009. Last year I went to one game - a day-time matinee against Seattle, where Yan Gomes hit an extra inning walk-off.
Over the years I've been to my good share of Tribe games, both at old Municipal and Jacob's Field (Progressive, whatever). I've also seen the Indians when they've come to the cities where I've lived, watching them against the Yankees and Mets in New York, the Rangers in Dallas, and the Rockies here in Denver a while ago. I've also watched them in Cincinnati and Detroit, and in 2009 I went to Spring Training in Goodyear, Arizona.
But among the coolest ticket stubs I have, outside of playoff or World Series games, is the one from the first-ever game at Jacobs Field, which opened 20 years ago today (April 2, 1994). That day the Indians held a final spring training game against Pittsburgh. We were in the upper deck of the packed stadium one the day few remember.
