Results tagged ‘ Tribe Vibe ’

Welcome to Goodyear: @ClevelandChick arrives at Spring Training

sunset

Leaving behind freezing Cleveland for sunshine and 80 degrees in Arizona was one of the easiest things I have done in a long time. I’m looking forward to a week of hanging out with my best friend, quality time with my dad and some serious Tribe autograph snagging.

This of course, requires a little bit of planning. I landed in Phoenix, grabbed my rental car and drove straight to Scottsdale for the Tribe vs. Giants game. One of the keys to having a great Spring Training experience is simple: Say hello. I met all sorts of Giants fans — some were from Lakewood! — that stepped aside so I could grab some photos and talked baseball. We traded tips about each park (Goodyear and Salt River Fields are amazing), joked about who is going to take the pennant this year (totally the Tribe) and how beautiful the weather was. It was a great afternoon, all because I smiled and said hello to fellow fans. My mom would be proud. Fans at Spring Training are here not only because they love their team, but because they also love the game.

pitchers

While the games are great, batting practice is downright fun. Each team takes practice on their respective practice fields four hours or so before each game. At Goodyear, the Tribe fields are down the street from the ballpark, and the best way to start the morning. The team works out on several fields, on a variety of drills, open for fans to watch for free. This is an awesome time to take pictures, get an autograph or even snag a ball. Keep an eye out, because it is easy to get a ball tossed to you. Or conk you on the head, so pay attention. At the Goodyear Fields, there are also bleachers and picnic tables to sit on, but restrooms are not around, so go easy on the big gulps.

Most of the players will sign autographs at some point during batting practice, maybe a few at a time as they cross the fields. Some guys will sign more after practice, so have your Sharpie ready. Be aware though, that these guys are working and can’t always sign. Be patient. The players usually go straight to a game after practice and can’t be late to work to sign autographs.

autographs

Let’s talk autographs for a second. Think ahead of time what you want to have autographed. Last year I bought a plaque from the Team Shop and had the players sign it for me and I love it. But you can get just about anything signed. A ball you caught from a game. A baseball card, a bat or as I saw last year, a fuzzy pink whale. If you want a player to sign a ball, use a blue ball point pen (not a fancy gel pen). A permanent marker will actually fade with time on a baseball, and according to all the autograph aficionados, a blue ball point pen is the way to go. A permanent marker, however, is great for bats, cards and fuzzy pink whales.

I’m looking forward to sharing a great week Tribe fans; sunshine, palm trees and Indians baseball!

–TribeVibe Fan Correspondent Traci (@ClevelandChick)

Cleveland native Traci Christler, who blogs independently at http://www.HappinessIsaHotPierogi.com, is in Goodyear this spring and writing about the Indians for TribeVibe. The Indians are not compensating her for her coverage, nor did they fund her travel.

Tribe drops prices on dogs and suds; fans go wild

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The Cleveland Indians announced they are rolling back the price of concessions at Progressive Field early this morning and the interwebs have been abuzz ever since. The $4 beers, $3 hot dogs, $2 soda refills and 15 $1 dog nights (presented by Sugardale!) have shown fans a concerted effort by the club, both on and off the field, to keep fans happy at the ballpark. “We’ve asked our fans what they want most in their ballpark experience at Progressive Field, and more affordable concessions prices routinely top the list,” said Indians president Mark Shapiro. “This is a way for us to let fans know we’re listening to them and that we value them.”

TribeVibe is listening too! Here’s a snippet of the response to these changes:

If you’d like to partake in the excitement, single-game tickets are still available via Indians.com, by calling 216-420-HITS (4487) or by visiting any Indians Team Shop. If you’re on the hunt for the Sugardale Dollar Dog nights, the Indians’ promotion schedule can be viewed  here.

We’ll see you at the ballpark!

– TribeVibe contributor Courtney Shilling

Michael Bourn introduced as newest Indians player

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Michael Bourn (and his son) introduced as newest members of the Cleveland Indians.

The Indians introduced Outfielder Michael Bourn as the newest member of the team today in an afternoon press conference at the club’s Spring Training facility in Goodyear, Arizona. The Bourn signing was made official Friday, as he signed a 4-year contract, with a club option for the 2017 season.

Bourn, Indians General Manager Chris Antonetti, and Bourn’s agent Scott Boras were on hand at the press conference and explained how the signing came together, and their plans for 2013 and beyond.

New Indians Outfielder Michael Bourn:

On signing for the Indians…

“I want to thank the Dolan family for giving me the opportunity to play in Cleveland, and be a part of their organization, and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity. It was a long off-season for me, but it was fun, and it was an experience. It taught me patience – it taught me a lot – but it was interesting. I landed in the spot I think that I wanted, and that was my main focus – somebody that wants me, somebody that’s committed to me, and I’m committed to them. And I’m ready to rock and roll here for them.

On where he was expecting to sign…

“Every team was on my radar when the process began, so yes [the Indians] were on my radar. I knew they were trying to compete, and any team that’s trying to compete, I’m with them. Like you said, I’m a competitor. That’s what my father taught me since I was little, so any team that’s trying to win, I want to be a part of.

“I had a good supporting cast with my mom, my dad, my girlfriend, my little boy; he always keeps a smile on my face. It was just something I had to go through, a process I had to just let unfold. I feel like I landed in a place that wants me, a place I want to be, a place with a lot of talent that has a chance to do some good things.”

On playing in an outfield with Michael Brantley and Drew Stubbs:

“Yes of course, you always want to be next to people that can play it out, I come from that with Martin [Prado] and [Jason] Heyward. I think with this one I have even more speed out there, both of those players can run, they run just like I run, so it will be exciting to watch.”

(more…)

Top Prospect Francisco Lindor added to large cast of players attending Tribe Fest

Photo by Jesse Piecuch - MiLB.com

Photo by Jesse Piecuch – MiLB.com

The Indians confirmed today that one of the organization’s top prospects, Francisco Lindor, will be one of many players on hand at Tribe Fest, presented by KeyBank, on January 19 and 20.

The 19 year-old shortstop prospect was named the Indians’ top prospect in 2012, and the no. 13 overall prospect in baseball by MLB.com. After being selected in the 1st round (8th overall) of the 2011 MLB Amateur draft, Lindor made his professional debut last season as an 18 year-old.

The switch-hitter showed both pop at the plate and speed on the base-paths with the Single-A Lake County Captains in 2012. In 122 games he posted a .352 OBP with 24 doubles, 6 HR and 27 stolen bases.

MLB.com prospect expert Jonathan Mayo offered this assessment of Lindor:

 
“Lindor has a very advanced approach at the plate as a switch-hitter, and should hit for average and power from both sides. He gets on base and is a heady runner. There’s no question about his defensive ability, with a plus arm and range. While Lindor is a teenager who spent the year at Class A Lake County, don’t be shocked if he’s able to move faster than most prepsters.”
 

In addition to Lindor, a large cast of current and former Indians will attend Tribe Fest, and fans will have an opportunity to interact with them on both Saturday and Sunday. A full list of Indians attendees is below:

Terry Francona, Jason Kipnis, Carlos Santana, Vinnie Pestano, Lonnie Chisenhall, Drew Stubbs, Carlos Carrasco, Zach McAllister, Francisco Lindor, Nick Hagadone, Corey Kluber, Cody Allen, Tom Hamilton, Jim Rosenhaus, John Adams, Katie Witham, The Cleveland Blues and Slider.

Tickets are still available for both days of Tribe Fest, and fans can get more information at Indians.com/TribeFest

Trevor Bauer meets with Cleveland media for first time

Bauer

Newly-acquired pitcher Trevor Bauer, a key piece of the three-team trade with Arizona and Cincinnati last month, met with the Cleveland media for the first time today. He began the Q&A session with his story of how he first heard the trade news: while he was in the middle of eating a Chipotle burrito.

“My agent called and said ‘you were just traded, and we need to talk about some stuff.’ I said, ‘OK, but can I go inside and eat my burrito real quick and get back to you?’ He didn’t let me finish my burrito – I only got through half of it.”

On coming to Cleveland:

I’m excited to be here. I’m excited to come to a city that has very passionate fans, and an organization that I feel is very welcoming, and very excited to have me and really going in the right direction. So it has kind of been a blessing this off-season and I am excited for it.

On what he learned in his time with Arizona:

I think the biggest thing was probably the importance of throwing Strike One, and getting into advantage counts, attacking hitters and putting pressure on the hitters to swing the bat. The one start that I had the best success, I was ahead in the count all the time, and it just makes pitching a lot easier.

On his unique warm-up routine and pitching style:

I think I’m an exciting player to watch because the things I do are a little bit different…I throw the ball far [in warm-ups – see here for an example] – that’s one of them. I wave a black rod around, which not many people do, so that’s a little different. My first warm-up pitch of every inning I do a crow-hop on the mound and throw as hard as I can to get in the feel of being aggressive. My mechanics are slightly different – it’s a little bit more of an aggressive delivery than a lot of the other deliveries out there right now. So it’s just little things, little differences, that make me fun to watch – I hope, anyway.

On the purpose of his unique routine:

It’s designed to prevent injury. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you can’t stay healthy and on the field, then it does you absolutely no good. My first and foremost goal is to be durable and that’s the only way you can actually increase your talent.

On meeting and playing for Terry Francona:

He seems really welcoming and open-minded and really just a pleasure to talk to, which is still kind of surreal for me. I watched baseball growing up and remember Terry Francona managing the Red Sox and they win a World Series and now I’m sitting here shooting the breeze with him – it’s kind of a cool moment for me.

On potentially making the Major League team:

Everybody wants to be part of the major league team, and I’m no different in that aspect, but I really try to focus on the things I can control, and the only thing I can control is getting better. I’m young still (ed. Note: Bauer turns 22 next week). Sometimes I don’t feel very young, but I am young, and if I get too caught up in: ‘am I in the big leagues? Am I not in the big leagues’ then it doesn’t do me any good, and I get distracted from what I should be focusing on, which is building up and improving myself, so I can pitch for a long time, which is what I want to do.

– TribeVibe Contributor Max Lom

Indians players describe their Thanksgiving plans

Indians employees took part in a Day of Giving last Sunday, November 18 in the Terrace Club.

As people across the U.S. take part in their annual Thanksgiving traditions, Indians players are making their own holiday preparations. TribeVibe caught up with several players to hear their plans for Thanksgiving this year, which range from 50+-person family gatherings to trans-Atlantic vacations.

Pitcher Joe Smith:

“I’ll head over to my aunt Wanda and Uncle Ray’s house where most the family goes. My aunt Judy always passes around a sign-in sheet because they like looking back and seeing who all has made it. It’s usually around 50-60 of us with too much food, of course. After we eat, some of my cousins, my grandpa, friends and Uncle Ray will pack in downstairs to get away from the crowd, and do what everyone likes to do after thanksgiving meal: Football and Nap.”

Pitcher Vinnie Pestano:

“I’m going back home to California for Thanksgiving. My Mom is having it at my parents’ house so it’ll be good to see my whole family. I’m thankful I have a wonderful cast of people in my support system without which I would not be the   person or player I am today.”

Infielder Jack Hannahan:

“Where do I start? My side of the family (16 people) will be coming over to the house where I will be preparing a 22 pound turkey on the Big Green Egg!

“350 [degrees] for four hours and the big boy will be singing!

“I’m thankful for my loving and supportive family, a healthy baby boy, my loving wife and the baby on the way. I’m thankful for a mother and a father who have been married 37 years. They worked so hard to put four kids through private schools.”

Pitcher Justin Masterson:

“I am heading to the in-laws for thanksgiving in South Bend, Indiana.  We get together with friends and family there and then on Friday we’ll have a party with my family.  So I get two turkey dinners in a row.  It’s just a good blessing to have food on the table and be amongst those whom we love.   I think we need to make everyday Thanksgiving.”

Second Baseman Jason Kipnis is using part of the weekend to head overseas to begin a two-week vacation in Spain. His destinations include Granada, Sevilla, the Canary Islands, and Barcelona – where he plans on attending a bull fight and an FC Barcelona soccer game.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Indians and TribeVibe!

WORLD SERIES GAME ONE WINS NIGHT ON TV AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Major League Baseball passed along the following press release earlier today; good news all around for the health of our game. -TribeVibe

*****

October 25, 2012
WORLD SERIES GAME ONE WINS NIGHT ON TV AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Giants Win, Sandoval’s Historic Night Generate Second-Most
Social Media Comments in Postseason History

Kung Fu Panda had fans buzzing during Game One of the World Series. Last night’s lopsided win by the Giants in Game One — which featured an historic three home run performance by Pablo Sandoval — generated 813,000 social media comments, making it the second-most talked-about game on social media in Postseason history, trailing only the classic Game Six of the 2011 World Series.

The World Series game dominated the social media conversation last night, as the game generated more than five times as many public Facebook and Twitter comments as the next highest-ranking show on television (+412%), and +79% more comments than the next nine most talked about shows on television Wednesday, according to data from Bluefin Labs. On television, the World Series led FOX to an easy win in prime time over all other competition and was the highest-rated Wednesday night on FOX since the American Idol finale in May.

Sandoval’s three home runs sparked social media’s biggest buzz, as 163,881 comments featured the words Pablo, Sandoval or Panda, representing 20.2% of all conversations around the game. #WorldSeries was by far the most widely-used hashtag of the night, featured in 15% of all comments.

The World Series also elicited tweets yesterday from celebrity baseball fans including Jeff Daniels, Kid Rock, Colin Hanks, Eminem, Larry King, Kevin Pollack, MC Hammer, Kerri Walsh and Rob Schneider, as well as current MLB players Matt Kemp, Jeremy Guthrie, Josh Reddick, Jimmy Rollins, Joba Chamberlain, Elvis Andrus and Ian Desmond, among many others.

Coverage of Game Two of the World Series begins tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

Vinnie Pestano gets a surprise mention in episode of How I Met Your Mother

Cleveland Indians pitcher Vinnie Pestano received a surprise shout-out last week on CBS’s hit comedy How I Met Your Mother.

The show’s main character, Ted Mosby (played by Josh Radnor), is a Shaker Heights native and diehard Cleveland sports fan.

In the October 15 episode, Ted dismisses his friends when they imagine fellow protagonist Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris) vandalizing a house by throwing a brick through its window.

“Yeah, right,” Ted quips. “I’ve seen Barney throw. He’s no Vinnie Pestano – am I right?”

The group responds with silence and confused stares as Ted is forced to explain the Cleveland sports reference to his unsympathetic friends.

The Executive Producer of the series, Chris Thomas, explained how the Pestano mention made it into the show.

“This Vinnie Pestano reference was simply born of Ted’s refusal to believe that Cleveland Sports ever, ever, ever needed Lebron Who(?) to be relevant and exciting,” said Thomas. “Ted is a loyal, proud hometown boy and he was simply name-checking a player from his beloved Tribe.”

If you missed it the first time, a clip of the Pestano reference is available here: LINK

The full episode (Season 8, Episode 4, “Who Wants to be a Godparent” is available at CBS.com.

–TribeVibe Contributor Max Lom

Francona Treats Cleveland Media to Lunch

The relationship between a team’s manager and the local beat reporters in a given city is a living, breathing entity that takes on many forms throughout the course of a baseball season and becomes a very important part of the process that delivers the news and information that you get through newspapers, television, talk radio, blogs, Twitter, etc.

Beginning with Spring Training, the manager maintains scheduled pre- and post-game media obligations on a daily basis in addition to all the incidental contact that may take place in person or over the phone with journalists who spend a significant portion of their working lives chronicling the club’s daily story lines. In short, it’s extremely beneficial for all parties involved for these relationships to be built upon some combination of trust, honesty, fairness, respect and professionalism. With that in mind, Terry Francona hosted the Cleveland contingency of beat reporters during a 90-minute informal lunch earlier today in the home clubhouse at Progressive Field, giving the local scribes an opportunity to get-to-know the new Indians skipper outside of a traditional press conference setting; equally, the meet-and-greet gave Tito the chance to familiarize himself with some of the people he’ll be interacting with on an almost daily basis at the ballpark and express his appreciation for the jobs that they do. The group covered a wide range of insightful topics, which MLB.com’s Indians beat writer Jordan Bastian hits in more detail HERE.

Players discuss their off-season plans – Part Two

In the second part of the off-season feature, TribeVibe spoke to several of the Tribe’s young hitters about their plans for the winter. (Part One – Pitchers). Second baseman Jason Kipnis, center fielder Michael Brantley, and Third Basemen Lonnie Chisenhall each described their winter preparations as they look to take another step forward next season:

Jason Kipnis

TribeVibe: What are you planning on doing now that the season had ended?

JK: Not too much – right after the season ends, I’m sure I’ll take about a month or so to kind of kick the feet up and recover and relax and clear the mind. And then get right back in to things, and start lifting again, and start swinging the bat, and getting ready for next year.

TV: How do you transition from vacation back to baseball mode?

JK: I don’t rush things. I gradually work back in to working out, but once I get into it, it’s pretty good training – about five days a week with swimming and yoga and all that good stuff – whatever gets the body ready. (more…)

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