Last Wednesday, Jesse and I decided to do something a bit different, again. Just a week or so after we did the game re-creation, we decided to do another blast from the past and broadcast from the stands. We tossed our phone line out the window and plugged in right behind Section J of Cooley Law School Stadium. This one was my idea. Jesse asked me what I wanted to do, if anything, and I was reminded of a movie I got for Christmas. My dad got me the PBS documentary on this guy named Harry Caray, and broadcasting from the crowd was something he did a couple of times every year. It was a ton of fun! We had people sitting around us and listening in to what we were saying, there were people taking pictures with us and of us, and I got to get some in-game ice cream! It was a lot of fun and something that I hope I can do for years to come.
Tomorrow the final leg of the 2011 season begins against the Dayton Dragons, and it brings a whole new excitement level to the broadcast booth. The game is the same, but there are some key differences. For example: couple of runs in the first two innings in a regular season game can be considered a rough start for a pitcher, but if he rebounds and finishes six innings its, "no harm done and its a good outing," even if the team is losing. In the playoffs though, it's more like, "I can't believe ______ gave up so many runs and put us behind the eight-ball!" It's a whole new ballgame now!
On another note, tonight is a special night for my dad and I. Why? Because we are sitting in the Cleveland Indians Social Media Suite! I know that all the haters can say that I shouldn't be that excited to watch a series that will make the Indians an afterthought in the AL Central race, but I still have faith. In all honesty, the fact that the Tribe is still considered "in" the race in September is a bonus to a season of fun. The fact that both ESPN the Mag and Sports Illustrated picked the Indians to finish fourth in the division and here they are in second place and the only challenge to the top team in the AL Central, I am proud. I was one that was pretty sure this year would be another miserable season, but the team surprised everyone.
The next couple of years in the AL Central are going to be a blast. The Royals are up-and-coming, the Tigers are the veterans and the Indians are somewhere in between. The exciting thing to look at for each of these teams is how old each of the starters are. The Royals are all very young, everyone knows that, but the Indians and Tigers are young too. You might be surprised that I'm saying this about the arch rival Tigers, but they have a great combination of youth and experience. Justin Verlander is the clear-cut Cy Young award winner and best pitcher in the American League. Oh yeah, and he'll be 29 next year. Scherzer, Fister, and Porcello are a very solid rotation, and their ages on opening day will be 27, 28, and 23. Then they have young Jacob Turner waiting in the wings, who will be 21. There's a legitimate candidate for MVP at first base in Miguel Cabrera, who will be 29, and probably the 2011 Comeback Player of the Year at shortstop with Jhonny Peralta, 30. Those guys can be considered the "old guys" when you look at Alex Avila, 24, Austin Jackson, 24, and Delmon Young, 27. What's my hair-brained idea for the Tigers to take it to the ultimate level? I know they have some money to spend, and that second base and third base are needs for the 2012 season... but what if a top-line pitcher becomes available? One who happens to be left-handed, in the prime of his career, and used to tear up the Tigers? Yes, I'm talking about C.C. Sabathia, who can opt out of his Yankees contract after this year if he wants to. Can you imagine that rotation? Verlander, Sabathia, Fister, Scherzer, Procello or Turner. Incredible. Sorry, that rant went a little longer than expected.
Don't worry readers, I'm going to daydream about my two favorite teams (the Tribe and the Cincinnati Reds) after my post-game report from the Social Suite!
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