Party like a Season Ticket Holder

Last night, current Season Ticket Holders gathered postgame for an invitation only party featuring refreshments, opening remarks by Indians president Mark Shapiro and autograph sessions with the Tribe.

“We were pleased to entertain approximately 2,000 of our best customers at the ballpark for signings with all members of our 25-Man Roster and a chance to play catch on the grass of Progressive Field,” said Indians Director of Fan Services Dave Murray. “Days like this are one of the many benefits of being an Indians Season Ticket Holder.

TribeVibe took to the event chatted with a few of the night attendees about their time at the ballpark and their tenure as Season Ticket Holders.

Dad & 18 year Season Ticket Holder, Vivian Shanafelt and daughter, Nancy Hennings of Medina, OH

TV: How long have you been a Season Ticket Holder?

Shanafelt: I have been a Season Ticket Holder since  1994.

TV: What’s the biggest benefit of being a Season Ticket Holder?

Shanafelt: Other than the games, [the Indians] give us a suite, a free suite, for a game. It’s really nice [to be in] a suite once a year.

TV: As a Season Ticket Holder, what’s the most memorable play you’ve seen while in the ballpark?

Shanafelt: There was one game, that my daughter and I saw, where a ball bounced right off Jose Canseco’s head and went over the fence!

Indians 101 Refresher Course: The May 26, 1993 Indians vs. Rangers game produced this gem of a home run. Mr. Shanafelt and his family were there watching.

TV: How close were you sitting?

Shanafelt: We were sitting fairly close. We were near home plate. [Canseco] was in right field, but when my daughter and I talk about the Indians, we talk about that story. We just enjoy baseball. I enjoy bringing my daughter and my grandkids to the game with me.

Social Suiter & Season Ticket Holder, Michael Kaus and wife, Tenille Kaus of Akron, OH.

TV: How long have you been a Season Ticket Holder?

M. Kaus: I think we’ve been Season ticket Holders for about four years now.

TV: What made you choose to be a Season Ticket Holder?

M. Kaus: It’s really some of the best value for your dollar that you can get in Cleveland. We sit in the bleachers and we really enjoy it.  The prices are low, it’s great to go to the game and if you haven’t been there in a while going there you can smell the fresh cut grass – it’s just really a fun time.

TV: Since you attend so many games, what has been your favorite moment in-park?

T. Kaus: Last year we actually caught a ball that Grady Sizemore threw into the stands. This year, I think our favorite memory was being able to watch the fireworks on the field.

TV: So, as a part of the Season Ticket Holder event the whole team will be available for meet and greets, who are you looking forward to seeing most?

T. Kaus: Sandy Alomar.

M. Kaus: Yeah, Sandy Alomar and Vinnie Pestano. We’re definitely looking forward to it – it’s going to be fun.

Christopher Evans who has Season Tickets through his company Marsh-McLennan Companies located in Downtown Cleveland.

TV: Tell us a little bit about your company.

Evans: Marsh-McLennan does risk management. We work with many of the companies in the greater Cleveland and Northeastern Ohio area. Our company holds Season Tickets which we use to take clients out to the ballpark and from time to time we, employees get to come take our kids out to the yard, have a good time and enjoy the game.

TV: What’s the biggest advantage of taking your clients out to the ballgame?

Evans: It’s a good opportunity – it’s a loose atmosphere – we can share a meal; have good time without the pressure of [making] deals. Sometimes you talk business other times you don’t. Just last [homestand], I was [at Progressive Field] with a client talking about babies. My wife and I just had baby and so did my client. We spent the game talking and connecting about kids and family.

Sometimes when you’re at a ballgame with a client, the conversation can drift from business to family life pretty quickly because you see all the kids out [at the game] and it [reminds] you of your family.

TV: Do your kids come to the games with you often?

Evans: Yeah, my daughter and I go to a lot of games. I have a 3 year old and a 3 week old who just came to his first game today. I’m proud to say my new son, Warren, made it all the way through the game – 9 innings. Amazingly, my 3 year old daughter made it all the way through 9 innings too – that’s the real accomplishment.

TV: What’s your most memorable time at the ballpark?

Evans: Today. My son’s first ballgame. Tonight, I’m definitely looking forward to seeing Sandy Alomar. I grew up watching him as a kid. And obviously, I like seeing the young guys getting it done like Asdrubal Cabrera. I would say to other Tribe fans, any chance you can come out to the ballpark and spend time with your family – do it.

-TribeVibe Contributor Erin Parker