Jake, Where Have You Gone?

I had the opportunity to attend a Texas Rangers-Cleveland Indians game at “Progressive Field” in Cleveland over the weekend.

In my heart, this stadium is still “The Jake.”

Having witnessed many a game at this facility after it opened in 1994, most of the time it was in an SRO environment. The Indians sold out over 400 games back during that period.

So on Saturday night, in a game between 2 division leaders, with the Rangers having won the past 2 American League pennants, the Tribe had their second biggest “crowd” of the season, at a little over 21,000.

Where are the fans? The Indians have a number of fine young players, and also sport a number of wily veterans.

Is it apathy? Do the people care? Is there that much animosity towards the owners? How is the team marketed to the public?

These are all legitimate questions. The only thing that I know is this. If I lived in the area, I would attend some games and stay behind this team.

In case you don’t know, they are for real, and are in it for the long haul.

Cagle’s Pitching, Big First Inning Leads Dekalb Over East Noble

The Dekalb Baron baseball team upped their record to 11-4 as they ran roughshod over the East Noble Knights on Thursday night, winning 10-0 in five innings. With the win, Dekalb moved to 1-1 in the NHC conference standings.

Dylan Cagle

Junior Dylan Cagle tossed a no hitter for the Barons, only allowing 2 baserunners. Cagle was in command all night with a nice assortment of pitches.

Dekalb’s offense staked Cagle to an early lead, as they plated 6 runs in the opening frame. Doubles by Carter Stafford, Logan Shilling, Bayley Coleman, and Ty Rottger were all key in that first inning.

The Barons added 3 more runs in the 4th, and closed out the game with a run in the 5th.

Dekalb goes on the road for 4 games next week. They will be at Columbia City on Tuesday, at Homestead on Thursday, and then a DH at Manchester on Saturday will close out what promises to be a tough week of baseball for the Barons.

Memories of Cleveland Municipal Stadium

Anyone around my age who grew up in NE Ohio loving baseball, probably had the opportunity to go to a Cleveland Indian’s game at the “old mistake by the lake” in Cleveland.

I actually use that term with true affection, as I enjoyed many a Summer night watching my beloved Indians play.

Picture I took of "Sudden" Sam McDowell at Cleveland Stadium in 1970

I saw my first game in July of 1965 with my Dad and 2 brothers, as we went to see my favorite player, Sam McDowell, pitch against the defending American League champs, the New York Yankees.

McDowell pitched a gem, as he shutout the Yankees, 3-0. My second favorite player, Leon Wagner, even hit a home run. Along the way, Mcdowell struck out Mickey Mantle 3 times.

During most of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, it was mostly futility for Cleveland, as the Indians rarely had a winning season. Along the way though, many great memories with many great friends took place in that ballpark.

Over the course of a 5-6 year period, I saw the Indians sweep 5 doubleheaders, when DH’s were still in vogue. I missed seeing a no-hitter pitched not once, but twice by one day during those years. (Sonny Siebert & Dick Bosman)

I even witnessed Nolan Ryan’s last win in the Major Leagues in August of 1993 at the Stadium.

I think back on those years fondly, as they were times of great enjoyment.

I know that when people talk old ballyards, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, and Tiger Stadium are always mentioned prominently.

But in my heart, Cleveland Stadium will always be the best.