Once again, the Tribe managed to lose the opener, but this year they did it in stunning fashion by giving up a 3 run lead in the 9th inning and then stringing the fans on until the 16th when they finally gave up 3 runs of their own.  Couple that longest opening day in history with the fact that it was cold as hell (after all it IS April in Cleveland) and as you can imagine the bars were a bit crowded.

We managed to stick it out at the game until about the 13th inning, but we finally gave in and headed over to Panini’s to watch the rest of the game.  Apparently I’ve got the look of someone who likes to drink shots, cause I had 2 random dudes (yeah… dudes no less…. this player’s got GAME!!!) who wanted me to do a shot.  But I digress.

So we’re in the bottom of the 15th and some drunk Canadian dude (the Indians were playing Toronto) rolls up and starts chatting me up about how awesome of a game it is, how much he likes Cleveland and how the last time he was in town he spent $200 at Christie’s Cabaret (which let’s face it… is money well spent).  And then… it happened.

I got caught in his “drunk loop”.  You know, when you hear the same story every 12 minutes?  Yeah.  Over the next inning and a half, I heard the same story about how he went into Christie’s, ordered two beers and ended up spending $200 four or five times.  I’m a pretty social guy and I’ve got my share of experience dealing with drunks so I didn’t really mind, but eventually it was time to put an end to the drunk loop.  And there’s only one way to do it.

I told him his own story.

I proceeded to repeat back to him his exact story.  I told him how I went to Christie’s, ordered two beers and by the end of the night ended up spending $200.  (NOTE: In case my wife is reading this… Just so we’re clear… I did NOT go to Christie’s and spend $200)  I’d heard the story enough by this point that I was able to nail every detail.  As I was telling his story I started to notice that he was really trying to process what was going on.  And finally, toward the end of the story, I got the reaction that told me the loop had been broken.

He gave me the “doggie head tilt”.  It was simply priceless to the point where I literally started laughing.  Naturally, drunk Canadian had no idea that I was laughing AT him rather than with him, and he proceeded to buy us a shot.

Gotta love Opening Day in Cleveland!

After the Indians made the announcement that he had been signed and that he’d be in the starting lineup on Friday evening they sold 8,500 additional tickets for the game.  In my mind that just goes to show how much Jim Thome means to the city of Cleveland.  I’ve heard many people talk bad about Thome for leaving Cleveland the way he did back in 2002 and even though he’s my all time fav I can’t fault a guy for taking an EXTRA 27 million dollars to do his job.  I also recently heard from someone that would know that he was pressured by the union to take the deal and that he really didn’t want to leave Cleveland.  But I digress…  

I hadn’t planned on going to the game, but as the opening pitch grew nearer I just couldn’t stand that thought of not seeing him come back. I called the wife and we decided last minute to go to the game.  We got about the worst seats in the park (section 507, two rows from the top) but we were THERE!

Huge props to the Indians for pulling all this together in 12 hours! Signs, audio, video packages, etc. Well done guys!

My favorite fans cheering for my favorite player!

A Beautiful Night In Cleveland

Even though Jimmy didn’t get a hit on his first night back (0-4) it was absolutely awesome for this Thome fan to have Jim back “home”.  Not sure how the Tribe is going to do for the rest of the season but I’m super happy to say that they’re going to make the stretch run with future hall of famer Thome in the lineup!  Welcome home Jimmy!

Opening Day 2011

Opening Day in Cleveland is nothing short of a city holiday.  For a city that’s been dragged through the mud for years it always brings a smile to my face to see fans come out and support their teams.  Play ball!

A Day Game From The Upper Deck

This particular day a co-worker and I went down and bought walk up seats.  Tickets were $15 but were “loaded” with $10 worth of food/drink credits.  $5 to watch my Tribe?  No brainer!

Cleveland Skyline From Inside The Park

I’m no photographer, but that’s a damn fine photo if I do say so myself.  Love me some Cleveland!

The View From The Indians Social Suite

My beloved Cleveland Indians are leading the way in MLB when it comes to social media.  In fact, they have the major’s only “Social Suite“.  The wife and I were lucky enough to be invited to watch a game there.  Absolutely incredible!

The Wife & I In The Social Suite

I’m going to a game next week (taking Gramps to see his first ever game at The Jake… er… Progressive Field).  Baseball (and now t-ball)… it’s what summer in Cleveland is all about.

Naturally nothing in life is easy so we weren’t thrilled to find out that both boys are playing at the same time on different fields every Tuesday evening.  This means that either both of us need to go to the games every week or we need some grandparent/uncle/aunt help along the way.  For opening week I made sure to leave work early to make sure I was there on time.  Not only did I manage to get a great snapshot of the boys standing together, I also got a couple of videos of them in action:

The first game of the year for the C-man

G takes his first swings of the year

Finally I’ll leave you with this.  If you think kids playing t-ball is cute just wait until after the game.  The “high five line” is about the most precious thing you’ll ever see.  Most of the kids actually enjoy this just as much (or more) as the game!

I was working on Friday and Al had the day off, so he was nice enough to give Pip a ride downtown.  After work, I rode the RTA into town to meet up with the boys.  Needless to say, I felt like a sardine riding the RTA to the stadium.  Apparently I wasn’t the only one with that brilliant idea.  We met up at Cadillac Ranch for some awesome pre-game grub.

Opening Day in Cleveland is essentially a holiday… second only to St. Patrick’s Day.  That said, there were a TON of people who were WAY ahead of us in the drinking department – including this guy who was busting a move to Footloose.  I can’t be hyper critical though… Pip and I did the same thing at his wedding.

We made our way to Jacob’s Field which was beautiful as always.  Yes… I know it’s called Progressive Field these days.  I don’t care… it’ll always be “The Jake” to me.  The Indians did a great job during the pregame and honored recently deceased Bob Feller with a very touching video.

After the game, we headed out to celebrate my buddy Brad’s birthday for a while.  Through many protests, we called it a night before going “next door” and headed home.  In retrospect a very good decision.

Saturday we hung out with the boys during the day and then met up with one of Pip’s high school classmates and her husband for dinner and some drinks.  SUPER cool people that I’m so happy to have met.  After meeting up with them, Pip had to make his annual trek to the Annex.  Even if its for one beer (which this year it was) it’s nice to be back “home”.  We continued our rounds of local bars with a stop at Legends to check out some of the scenery… and a very talented band.  Knowing that Sunday was going to be a big day we headed home rather early.

Sunday – WrestleMania day.  Marko got in on this year’s action and came over at around 5:00 for the 7:00 show.  We got ourselves some food and we were ready for the evening’s festivities.  I’m certainly not a “foodie” by the traditional sense of the word, but I have to say we did a pretty damn good job in the food department.

I won’t go into the details of the show here but if you’re interested in my thoughts you can find them here.  The Beeramid as per usual was a tall challenge but I’m thrilled to report that we once again were up to the task.

If you want the blow by blow details of the Beeramid challenge you can find them here.  Suffice to say it was once again A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  Monday morning rolled around rather quickly and just like that the weekend was over.  Miraculously I was at the office right around normal time on Monday morning and Pip was out the door and on the road by 9:00 as well.  We don’t have a date yet for my trip to visit the Pips but it’s typically in the fall.  I absolutely can’t wait (though my liver does need a bit of a rest).  See you soon brother!

Both teams have incredible defenses and both teams have outstanding quarterbacks that can beat you in more ways than one.  Aaron Rogers is certainly a “prettier” passer, but Big Ben seems to get the job done when the chips are down (not to mention that he’s already got 2 Super Bowl rings).

Living in Cleveland and being a Steeler fan is a tough thing.  I swear it’s almost like there are three parts of the season for Browns fans:

1. Pre-season
2. Regular season
3. Root against the Steelers season

Obviously #3 above is the post-season but unfortunately the Browns never seem to even sniff it so it becomes “Let’s bitch about how much we hate the Steelers.”  Oh well… I guess I’d rather have a team to root FOR instead of just having someone to root against.

• People say that Gilbert’s response makes him look ridiculous.  Personally I think it makes him look like an owner who gives a shit.  Sure he may scare away a couple of potential free agents with that blast, but I’m guessing in the end it may show how passionate he is.
• I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… I’m not upset that James is leaving Cleveland.  He’s earned the right to go where he feels he’s in the best situation.  What I take issue with is the public bitch slap of Cleveland on national TV.  There’s a way to handle your “bidness” and James simply didn’t do it.
• To that end, I think LeBron’s been getting some very bad advice for the last year.  An “adult” would never have allowed him to conduct himself in this manner.
• Not sure what the tone is like outside of Cleveland, but in my eyes with last night’s move, he went from Jordan comparisons to Pippen comparisons.  Even if he starts winning he’ll never have been “the man”.
• I think it’s effing hilarious that LeBron’s got a “donate” button on his website.  If you’re donating to King James you’re dumber than a box of hammers.
• LeBron seemed genuinely shocked last night when shown images of his jersey being burned.  Really?  He didn’t see that coming?
• It won’t happen, but it would be awesome if Cleveland sold out every game next year.
• LeBron (or more likely his people) called the paparazzi to ensure that they’d be on hand for his arrival at 3:00 AM last night.  Come on dude.
• Speaking of calling… LeBron never even called the Cavs personally and informed them of his decision.  Sack up dude.  I said that you don’t owe Cleveland anything, but you owe the Cavs that.
• I saw tweet that rang true today: “Born here. Raised here. Played here. Betrayed here.”
• Anytime I can reference one of my favorite movies I will: “It’s all on the wheel… it all comes around.”
• One last thought… I was a CAVS fan long before LeBron James, and I’ll continue to be a CAVS fan now that he’s gone.

James obviously doesn’t care what it’s going to do to the city and when it boils right down to it he shouldn’t.  That issue should have been dealt with long ago by the city’s politicians.  I guess what irritates me the most is that I got duped.  I got fooled into believing that words like “loyalty” meant something to LeBron.  And PLEASE don’t lump me in with those people that feels LeBron “owes” Cleveland something… he doesn’t.  What I don’t like is the fact that for years he told us THIS is where he wanted to be, that he wanted to put Akron/Cleveland on the map, etc.  I’ll give him one thing… at least he didn’t follow the money.  He’s going where he feels that he’s got the best chance to win a championship.  Good for him.

What really floors me about this whole situation is how James seems to no longer care about his legacy.  I was always under the impression that he wanted to be known as the best ever.  With this move, he just cemented the fact that he’ll never be known that way.  Even if he wins a slew of NBA championships now, he’ll be known as “one of the guys” rather than “THE guy who could elevate his team.”  I’m not sure if he knows that quite yet.  Who knows… maybe he doesn’t care.  Two days ago he was trying to get Chris Bosh to come to Cleveland.  Now he’s turned from the King to a follower.  All I know is James better take his family (mom included) and leave town never to return.  I hate to say it, but it’s no longer safe for him here.  There are too many crazies in this town.  One thing’s for sure… Art Modell is a happy guy tonight.  He’s no longer the most hated guy in Cleveland history.

When I logged on to the Cavs site tonight I was greeted with this open letter from Cavs owner Dan Gilbert.  I’m archiving it here cause quite frankly I don’t think it’ll be around long.  Regardless of how everything plays out, THIS is the kind of owner that I want running the show.  Not sure how long this link will be active, but for now you can view it here: http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html

Rock on Dan Gilbert – my respect just went up tenfold.

For those too lazy to click on the link, I’ll leave you with Mr. Gilbert’s letter and one final thought.  Get a good night’s sleep Cleveland… if there’s one thing we’re good at, it’s bouncing back.  See you on the flip side.

Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his “decision” unlike anything ever “witnessed” in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

“I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE”

You can take it to the bank.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our “motivation” to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.

Sorry, but that’s simply not how it works.

This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown “chosen one” sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And “who” we would want them to grow-up to become.

But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called “curse” on Cleveland, Ohio.

The self-declared former “King” will be taking the “curse” with him down south. And until he does “right” by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.

Just watch.

Sleep well, Cleveland.

Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day….

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue….

Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers

Is he a great basketball player?  Sure he is but he’s won exactly the same amount of NBA championships as I have… ZERO.  Am I bitter?  Sure I’m bitter.  I’m a Cleveland fan who’s been fucked over so many times by the sports Gods that I’m sick of it.

• The Drive
• The Fumble
• The Jordan Shot Over Ehlo
• The 95 Indians
• The 97 Indians
• Art Modell Moving The Browns

Need I go on?  Needless to say I’m sick and tired of being on the short end of the sports spectrum.  So I see this going down in one of two ways.

1. LeBron gets to the end of his ego-inflating TV time and tells the world that he’s decided that even though he loves Cleveland/Akron, he’s decided to do, “What’s best for him, his family and his career” and go play with [Insert Team Here].
2. LeBron gets to the end of his ego-inflating TV time and tells the world that he’s decided that he love “home” so much he’s going to stay in a Cleveland uniform.

Quite honestly, I’ve got huge issues with either.

In scenario #1, he instantly becomes the biggest dick in sports history by essentially “breaking up” with a city on national TV.  Come on dude… even Tiger Woods has more class than that.  And I’m not just talking Cleveland fans here.  Sure we’ll be pissed, but let’s face it, we can handle it.  I’m thinking this is the kind of stuff that the whole sports world will look at and be like, “What a dick move that was.”  Art Modell is PRAYING for this to happen.  He’ll no longer be the most hated dude in C-Town.

In scenario #2, he instantly (again) becomes the biggest legend in Cleveland sports.  But he cements (at least in my mind) the fact that he’s got the biggest ego that I’ve ever seen.  Again… I’m not calling into question how good he is as a basketball player.  He’s awesome.  In fact, he’s the second best player I’ve ever seen play (behind Jordan).  And therein lies the problem.  I don’t recall Michael Jordon, Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, etc. EVER holding an hour long, prime time event just to tell the world what his decision is.  Hell, in Kobe’s case, it took RAPE for people to care this much.  But at least Kobe’s a winner… LeBron can’t say that much yet.

So… I spose I’ve come this far, I might as well make a prediction.  I’m thinking at the end of it all, LeBron is going to stay.  Based on the fact that his ego is just SO damn big I can’t see him taking the kind of publicity hit that scenario #1 would induce.  If he’s going to leave Cleveland, I’m guessing he would have done it nice and quietly and then moved on to other things.

I had a co-worker bring up an interesting (though I think pretty far-fetched) theory.  Maybe… just maybe, LeBron is going onto TV to tell the world just how damn great Cleveland is and he thinks the rest of the world should stop making “Mistake By The Lake” references and reminding us that our river caught on fire.  Yeah… like I said… pretty far fetched.

In all fairness, the one GOOD thing that I see coming out of all of this is the Boys and Girls Club of America is getting all the proceeds from any advertising dollars spent during LeBron’s hour on ESPN.  That’s a good thing.  One more way to enforce on our young children that ego pays.