Cleveland Indians stride towards an overdue World Series
Cleveland is notorious for loyal fans of teams with unfortunate records. But, alas, the streak is broken. With the Cavaliers’ recent World Championship, Cleveland fans are getting the ride of their lives. Hopefully, that ride will continue with an Indians’ World Series win.
High schoolers today have witnessed five central division titles, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2007, and now 2016. There has not been an American League pennant since 1997, and no World Series win since 1948. Chief Wahoo followers are setting their sights on the big prize.
This win-streak means something more to Clevelanders. For a constantly underrated city, Cleveland is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Cleveland fans are no longer crazy for loving failing teams. Their loyalty has paid off.
Aurora High School is no exception. Teachers and students alike have be donning Indians gear. On Tuesday, October 18th, the halls were filled with red and navy. After clinching the third game in the series against the Toronto Blue Jays, morale was at an all time high.
The Tribe’s winning streak is a big deal for students; anyone under the age of 19 has never seen an American League Pennant. But, it’s a bigger deal to those who have already witnessed Indians greatness (and the last three World Series losses).
Gayle Lewis, Spanish teacher, is always eager to cheer for Cleveland. She often wears Indians gear and takes great pride in the Tribe.
“They’re doing what they’ve always done,” Lewis said. “I’m not the least bit nervous. I’m cool as a cucumber, and I say Francona for president.”
Unfortunately, the Indians suffered their first postseason loss against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night. With pitcher Trevor Bauer injured, and a rotation of other, less experienced, pitchers, the team faltered with a 5-1 loss.
The following day, support had not dwindled. Science Teacher Brian Pichola, who is a known “superfan”, was unphased by the loss.
“I feel like we’re going to win this,” said Pichola. “Toronto’s a tough team; they’ve gotten as far as they’ve gotten for a reason. They swept Texas and Texas had the best record in the American League. Yeah, they got where they did for a reason, but we got where we are for a reason, too.
“I think as Cleveland sport fans, we are so used to being beaten down that we forget that sometimes we’re good- and we’re good. So, I think this will go to six or seven games, but I think in the end we are going to win it- especially now that we’re up three to one.”
Still, the Blue Jays would have to win the all of the next three games to take the series. The odds fall in Cleveland’s favor, not to mention that if the series progresses to Game 6 and 7, the Indians will have the home field advantage.
UPDATE:
Cleveland Indians fans rejoice. After a 3-0 shutout win on Wednesday night, the Indians have swept the series. After a hiccup in their swift take-over with a Game 4 loss, Cleveland did not allow another set back. They won, and they did it in style.
The Cleveland Indians have earned their first World Series appearance since 1997.
With rookie Ryan Merritt pitching a fantastic game, he gave an impressive showing. Toronto severely underestimated the 24 year old, with Jays Player Jose Bautista saying Merritt would be “shaking in his boots.”
To spite the passive aggressive allusion to Merritt’s Texan roots, Indians fans quickly changed Merritt’s Wikipedia page (which then appeared when he was Googled) to say “who does not shake in his boots”. Bauer also snapped back, posting a picture of Merritt’s cowboy boots with a bottle of champagne in them.
Fans celebrated along with the team, and they celebrated everywhere. The Cleveland Cavaliers were rowdy at a restaurant in downtown Cleveland. In the suburbs, Dick’s Sporting Goods stores opened immediately after the game ended and stayed open till the early morning. And, in the 10 counties it circulates to, The Plain Dealer offered a keepsake World Series edition of the newspaper.
The Cleveland Indians are not to be underestimated. Red and navy will fill the streets as Cleveland takes another crack at victory. Chief Wahoo wants another title, and you’d better bet he’ll fight for it.
