Results tagged ‘ Danny Steele ’
I’m Still a Fan at Heart
Although this will be my fourth year working in professional baseball, with two different franchises, one thing will never change: I’m still a fan at heart. After all the long hours of working six, seven or sometimes eight or nine-game homestands, I’m still able to sit down on a night off and watch a baseball game without hesitation. True, it’s a different perspective but when it comes down to it I’m still the same fan I was when I was a 10 year old kid going to ballgames with my dad.
This job enables me to experience some pretty cool things, such as getting a sneak peek at some of the things that you all will be able to experience in 2012 at Progressive Field. I was able to attend the “What’s New” media press conference today and took in everything I heard not from the perspective of a member of the Baseball Information Department, but as a fan.
When I do attend a game over the summer, off the job and as a fan, the first thing that crosses my mind when I get to the ballpark is what item (or sometimes items) from the concession stand am I going to indulge in that evening. Today at the media event, some of the new food coming to Progressive Field was unveiled and I have to say it was some of the best ballpark food I’ve ever tasted. You have to try the Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese (for those interested you can find it in sections 121, 154, 163, and 550). Trust me, it was as good as it sounds and if you are heading down to Progressive Field during the first homestand (5/5-5/11) you can get the mac and cheese for $2(It’s normally $4.50, but still way worth it). After eating quite a bit of that, I sampled the items that will be featured in the new Food Network Hot Dog and Sausage Bar. I had an Italian Sausage with peppers and onions that was delicious. These will definitely be my go-to food selections throughout the season.
Here is my plate:
Another thing that I love about coming to games is when it happens to be a giveaway night. There isn’t a better feeling as a fan than walking through the gate, ticket in hand, and being handed that night’s promotional item. In 2012, you all will have the chance to pick up some cool things, including the bobbleheads of fan-favorites Asdrubal Cabrera, Joe Carter, Carlos Baerga, Sandy Alomar, Jr. and Gaylord Perry. I have to say, Cabrera’s, which depicts the bare-handed stab in the hole that started a 6-4-3 DP is pretty awesome looking. The other major promotion unveiled today were the replica jerseys of Carlos Santana, Charles Nagy and Justin Masterson. These jerseys are easily the most authentic looking replica jerseys I’ve ever seen. Something to keep in mind, these items will only be available to the first 15,000 fans, so check the schedule and be sure to get to the ballpark early.
Here is a picture of the Asdrubal Cabrera Bobblehead, I dare you to say it’s not awesome:
(Photos courtesy of Ian A. C. Johnson/Cleveland Indians)
There were many other things presented today but these were my favorites so be sure to check this stuff out, you won’t regret it. After all, my job aside I’m just like you guys, I’m still a fan at heart.
-Danny Steele, Member of Baseball Information Department, Contributor to TribeVibe
Hannahan at the Hot Corner
With the roster moves that came down the pipeline this morning, some of the biggest news of the day involved the announcement that Jack Hannahan would be the Indians’ starting third baseman to begin the season. Hanny was nice enough to share his reaction with TribeVibe and he also talked about getting off to a quick start after being sidelined for just over a week with a mid-back strain (2-for-2, 2 doubles yesterday vs. Milwaukee). Overall this spring, he is batting .300 (6-20) with 3 doubles, a home run and 5 RBI, while playing the kind of defense Jack has become known for.
Obviously decisions like these have ramifications for other players in camp and this one was no exception, as Lonnie Chisenhall was optioned to Triple-A Columbus where he will be the Clippers’ Opening Day third baseman and have the opportunity to receive regular playing time. Anytime a move is made involving one of the club’s top prospects it elicits a number of passionate responses from fans, but it’s important to maintain perspective and remember how the game of baseball has a way of teaching us all patience time and time again. At 23 years, 5 months and 23 days of age (as of March 27), Lonnie is currently the third-youngest player on the Indians 40-man roster. The only two players on the 40-man who have taken fewer trips around the sun are infielder Juan Diaz (23 years, 3 months, 15 days) and right-hander Danny Salazar (22 years, 2 months, 16 days) – incidentally, RHP Jeanmar Gomez is 4th-youngest (24 years, 1 month, 17 days). Like most other prospects their age, Juan and Danny finished the 2011 season at Double-A Akron and Low-A Lake County, respectively, while Lonnie spent the last 3 months of the year as the youngest member of the Indians Major League roster. To reiterate what Manny Acta touched on today, Lonnie’s been one of the youngest players at every level of his professional career thus far. As a 22-year-old, he batted .255 (54-212) with 13 doubles, 7 homers and 22 RBI in 66 games for the Tribe, which stirs up memories of another former Indian who debuted at the same position. As many will recall, Jim Thome originally came up with the Tribe at the hot corner before making the transition to first base. In 3 seasons between 1991-93, Jim combined to hit .244 (90-369) with 18 doubles, 10 homers and 43 RBI in 114 games at roughly the same age as Lonnie – Jim debuted with the Tribe as a 21-year-old in ’91 and turned 23 shortly after joining the club during the ’93 campaign. While we all remember the outstanding career Jim had during his time in Cleveland, it’s healthy to recognize and respect the hard work, learning and repetition that was required to build it.
(Kudos to Danny Steele of the Indians Baseball Information Dept. for research support)
