Ask Indians fans what it’s like to see their home team play in the World Series, and they’ll likely sum it up with just one word: “amazing.”
Even though the Indians played Game 3 against the Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago, that word still rang through Progressive Field Friday when thousands of Cleveland fans gathered in their home stadium to watch the game on the big screen.
The brisk night didn’t stop thousands from showing up clad in layers of Tribe gear. The crowd was electric from the moment Jason Kipnis started the game off with a single to first, fans erupting in simultaneous cheers with each advancement by the Indians.
Although a ball wasn’t in play at home, much of the full game experience still was. People at the stadium gate passed out red rally towels. Mascots and dancers amped up the crowd, and cameramen showed scenes of Cleveland fans in the stands on the big screen as often as possible.
But for many, just the experience of watching the World Series with family and other fans made the long-awaited chance at victory that much sweeter.
“It’s a good family tradition,” said Briana Potts from Sheffield Lake about going to baseball games. She said she used to watch games with her dad at the old stadium when she was little, and she has fond memories of slamming the wooden chairs with him to cheer on the Tribe.
Now, Potts brings along her 7-year-old daughter Riley, who may be even more enthusiastic about the Indians than her mom.
“It’s really cool and I like the World Series! Woo!” Riley cheered as she held up the pink mitt she brought to the watch party.
Many people in the crowd, including the Pottses, have been fans as long as they can remember.
“It’s been years in the making,” said Melissa Faustini, there with the Pottses, her husband Jason, and their 3-year-old son Carter. “They had a great season in the beginning.”
“I just hope we don’t have to wait another 20 years,” Jason Faustini added.
Others, like Bill Stanford of Fairview Park, caught Tribe Fever the moment they moved to Cleveland and haven’t been cured of it since.
Stanford moved from Louisville, Ky., 11 years ago. The day after he moved in, he took his daughter to an Indians game for her birthday.
He was hooked instantly.
“I mean, I love Cleveland sports like I’ve never loved any sports before,” Stanford said, adding that there’s something about the city of Cleveland that attracts him to the sports unlike any other city.
“I don’t honestly know how I’m going to react. I’m really nervous right now,” he said about watching the Indians as he sat next to his 9-year-old daughter Anabelle. He said he was looking forward to spending the time with his daughter while she got to “see a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”
Theresa Cottom can be reached at 330-996-3216 or tcottom@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @Theresa_Cottom .