Indians fans can take a collective sigh of relief and head out to buy some American League championship gear.
With the final out recorded in Toronto, the championship merchandise can now be officially taken out of storage and put out on store shelves.
Dick’s Sporting Goods, which has stores in Copley and Cuyahoga Falls, is ready to cash in on the fan pandemonium.
The Indians sported shirts that simply said “Raise the Flag” in the postgame locker-room celebration Wednesday.
While the shirts offered in stores will not smell like champagne, there are a variety of “official” designs from which to chose, including one that includes the image of mascot Chief Wahoo, who was pretty much missing from the previous round of the playoff gear.
Dick’s Sporting Goods planned to remain open to midnight Wednesday and then reopen at 6 a.m. Thursday so fans can grab a shirt or two or three on their way to school and work.
And Eat’n Park Restaurants plan to feed the Tribe fans’ hunger for a national championship by offering a free Smiley Cookie for fans showing their Indians pride.
Just show up at Eat’n Park restaurants in Northeast Ohio, including Akron and Medina, on Thursday wearing Tribe gear and you will get a free cookie.
Craig Webb can be reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com or 330-996-3547.