Don't Sleep on Cleveland

Since I was 12 years old, I have had two things on my bucket list. The first thing on my bucket list is to attend a game at each of the 30 Major League Baseball ballparks, and the second is to sit in a kayak in McCovey Cove during a San Francisco Giants game. While I am 23 years old and have yet to achieve those goals, I am still trying. 

I have been to 10 ballparks, and my favorite may surprise you. The truth is, I love Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. For those of you, who have never heard of Progressive Field, it is the home of the Cleveland Indians. While I am not an Indians fan, I enjoyed the atmosphere. Seeing the Indians play once a year was my summer tradition, for three years. While I attended a small liberal arts school in Indiana, after my last final, my dad and I would stop to see the Indians on our 13-hour road trip home.

Each year, I looked forward to visiting Progressive Field and just watching baseball. On top of that, Progressive Field is just beautiful. When you enter the stadium, you are greeted by three large statues of Bob Feller, Jim Thome, and Lou Boudreau. Moments before game time, visitors gather around those statues taking pictures and reminiscing about these past greats.

When I saw these statues, I tried to recreate each legend’s stance and took a picture. While my batting stance was not that great, those photos are still my favorites. Once my mini photoshoot was over, I remember walking into the stadium and was instantly greeted by the outfield grass and pausing with amazement. A smile shined across my face and did not go away at all that night. 

While I do not have any emotional ties to the Cleveland Indians, I enjoyed the experience. Plus, I even rocked some Indians' gear. As I walked around the concourse, I noticed a sea of fans decked out in red passing me. Before taking my seat, I grabbed some popcorn and gave Slider, the team's mascot a high five.

During the nine-inning game, I kept my eyes open and took in all the sights. Throughout the game, I heard John J. Adams, also known as the Indians Drummer, bang his giant bass drum, I sang “Hang on Sloppy,” and “Cleveland Rocks.”  While I had never heard those songs before, I stood up and cheered along. My time at Progressive Field was the time of my life. While I do not remember the score of the game, I do remember the graphic “Indians Win” popping up on the jumbotron. 

I may not be a Cleveland Indians fan, but this experience is one I will never forget. When anyone asks me what ballpark is my favorite today, I always tell them Progressive Field.  I then say, “Hey, Don’t Sleep on Cleveland.”