A Cleveland Indians game is all about having fun. When the cry “Play Ball” goes out, those two words send shivers down the spine of most Indians fans. In the next few hours something exciting is going to happen, and the ballpark will be filled with cheers (and maybe a few groans). No one knows that feeling better than long-time Indians season ticket holder Terry Bittner, 58, who will be there cheering on the Tribe with his family and friends.
Hope runs eternal for the 2016 season and for Bittner, this season is going to be another great ride.
WHAT IS YOUR FIRST RECOLLECTION OF THE CLEVELAND INDIANS IN YOUR LIFE?
In 1965, I received a 9-volt transistor radio for my birthday which I could hide under my pillow at night and listen to the games. Back then, Vic Davalillo and Sam McDowell were my favorites. I remember on Opening Day going to school with a book that I had cut all the pages out of so I could hold the radio in the center and hide it from the teacher. I ran the ear plug wire up my sleeve and turned my head so the teacher couldn’t see what I was doing. Of course I got caught, but I remember the principal asking me what the score was before sending me back to the classroom.
DID YOU GO TO GAMES WITH YOUR FAMILY?
Tribe games were definitely family events. The place is so friendly. I’d hold my youngest son on my lap and my two other kids and my wife, Cheryl, would enjoy the game from our other three seats. The kids are now 32 (Andy), 28 (Molly) and 26 (Cory).
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS SEASON?
Hitting, hitting, hitting and some improved defense. I’m counting on the pitching to be there. We have plenty of good arms, and some that will get better with time, be it maturity or just recovering from injury or surgery.
WHICH PLAYERS ARE WORTH TRACKING THIS SEASON?
I’m keeping a close eye on Michael Brantley’s surgery and recovery time. It is crazy to think he’s ahead of schedule when you’re talking about a shoulder injury and surgery. Knees are one thing, shoulders are another. Lonnie Chisenhall is my dark horse for the year. Right field seemed to fit him well in August and September last year, but let’s see where he fits in. As a number one pick, you want to see things fall in place for everyone and at about $2.7 million, he’s a bargain as a power hitter if things go well.
WHAT EXPECTATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS SEASON?
This will be our year. Better defense, great pitching, much improved hitting and only the Kansas City Royals stand in our way. Last year there was too much pressure on everyone. This year we’re not supposed to be number one, although we are to be good, so maybe we can catch some people sleeping in April and get off to a good start. A good start brings confidence to our bats, gloves and fills the seats in June, July and August, which will add a game or two in the win column.
WHAT IS THE BEST GAME YOU’VE SEEN?
It has to be as we ended the 2013 season with that 10-game winning streak to make the playoffs. Giambi came up in the bottom of the ninth and hit the walk off, pinch-hit, home run. What a crazy night and two weeks that was.
HOW LONG HAS YOUR GROUP OF INDIANS FANS BEEN TOGETHER?
There’s been a group of 8-10 since Opening Day in 1994, but the names have changed over the years as people have come and gone. Thinking back, I bet half of the original guys are retired and unfortunately, a couple have passed away. I’ve learned who are real Tribe fans and who aren’t. Other than me, only two other guys have stayed true for all these years.
WHAT DOES THE AVID INDIANS FAN BRING TO THE GAME BESIDES A WINNING ATTITUDE?
Ninety percent of the time I bring my wife, a pencil for the scorecard and a bag of peanuts. The place just brings a smile to my face as you see dads with daughters, families celebrating special events and Slider doing something goofy all the time. Every once in a awhile you have to remember there’s a ballgame going on, as there are so many positive distractions through- out the place that keep your energy levels high.
Kids Clubhouse — BALLPARK PLAY AREA CATERS TO YOUNG FANS
Entertaining kids and grandkids at the ballpark should begin at the Kids Clubhouse, a two-story complex of free interactive activities for kids of all ages.
Here are a few of the activities kids can enjoy at the Kids Clubhouse: See Sliders Field, a small-scale baseball field where young fans dream of hitting a homer out of the park.
Climb into a 3D player cutout to get kids’ pictures taken as a batter, catcher or sliding runner or have the kids record themselves calling the game or play in the media booth.
Slide down the Baseball Bat Slide, a massive Indians bat that spans two floors.
Peek inside the Indians locker room and take a virtual tour. Lockers along the back wall are filled with authentic player items from different eras in Indians history for kids to explore and to try on for photos.
Visit the Hot Corner, an interactive wall simulating what a third baseman’s corner is like while testing speed and reaction time.
Attempt a Circus Catch with different baseballs mounted at different heights along a wall to test vertical jumping ability.
Test kids’ arms at the Pitching Simulator by standing in front of a virtual batter and throwing a real baseball at a target.
Be sure to visit the Kids Clubhouse when you go to an Indians game. There’s so much to see, do and learn that you can have just as much fun as your kids.
