Indians' night at the Lake Erie Monsters' game

If you are a regular reader of 'Swing By and Spray' then you know my passion for baseball and 'my' Cleveland Indians.

Well friends, the time has come that we've been waiting for the last 4 months--Indians' baseball is about to return.

The Cleveland Indians are in the midst of their Caravan, which is a week or two where they travel to different places to visit with their fans before they head south to Arizona.

Saturday night they hit Q Arena to greet their fans before the Lake Erie Monsters vs Hamilton Bulldogs hockey game.

Cleveland fans are chomping at the bit for baseball. The game was sold out. True, the Monsters are the most exciting game in town these days and on a win streak...but I think 'my' Tribe had a little bit to do with the electricity in the crowd.

Manager Manny Acta, Outfielders Shin-Soo Choo and Michael Brantley, first baseman Matt LaPorta, and pitcher Tony Sipp signed autographs and shoot hands with their fans about an hour before the game.

Also on hand to sign autographs, take pictures, and bring smiles to the kids' faces were the one and only Slider and Mustard, Ketchup, and Onion!

As if that wasn't enough, the Monsters played an awesome game and beat the division leading Bulldogs 4-1.

Before the game began, a few of the Indians spoke to any media on hand. Not only was it great seeing former co-workers, but it was so exciting to hear how the Indians are revved up for the 2011 season. They are raring to go and 'play ball!'

Manager Manny Acta commented on the number of guys reporting to camp including rehabbing Grady Sizemore and Carlos Santana...."We have a lot of reasons to be excited...the health of Grady Sizemore and Carlos Santana...we have a lot of guys and we're gonna give these guys a fair look. Grady Sizemore is coming along very well. The goal is to have Grady ready for Opening Day. With the addition of Carlos Santana, our offense is gonna be much better."

Acta went on to talk about the pitching staff....he said, "We are very happy about our starting rotation. Fausto Carmona, Justin Masterson, Mitch Talbot, Carlos Carrasco, David Huff and so much more depth in the rotation. We have 3 guys in AAA that are knocking on the door."

He said once he puts the Christmas lights up in the attic, it's time to start Spring Training.

Michael Brantley made a few comments before the lights came down on the game....he's been working on the overall aspect of his whole game and is the same guy with a different attitude.

I can hardly contain myself that baseball season is upon us. February and March is one of the most exciting times of the year with Spring Training, March Madness, Hockey gearing toward the playoffs and NBA heating up as well.

Go Tribe!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Sorry for the delay, friends, on this week's Hidden Gem.

We were pounding the pavement with EXCLUSIVE breaking news Thursday on the Chimp attack woman arriving in Cleveland (we were the only station to get the woman and her medical staff arriving at Burke Lakefront Airport and then rushing off to the Cleveland Clinic). As if that was not enough, we had an arrest in the LCCC arson fire and potential for a winter wonderland! These items put me a tad bit behind.


Today's Hidden Gem: Goodyear, Arizona --Indians Spring Training Camp

This week's Hidden Gem is going out on the road. We are embarking on what appears to be an extremely exciting Cleveland Indians' Baseball Season! I've got a great feeling about this year. My guys have gathered at their new spring training home in Arizona and are days away from the official start when we hear 'Play Ball!'

The Indians are no strangers to Arizona. Before the Tribe's 16-year stint in Winter Haven, FLA, they trained in Arizona from 1947-1992.

I've not been to Goodyear this year. It is being touted as a state-of-the-art facility being built for our Tribe (and the Cincinnati Reds) which will not only be a ballpark but have shops, office space, restaurants, hotel facilities--an all encompassing recreation complex. It may not be exactly like it, but my first vision was a complex similar to Wide World of Sports where the Braves play. Always the center with a hubbub of activity!

First, the breathtaking Arizona landscape will get you every time. Add in Cleveland Indians Baseball and it's a combination made in Heaven!

Only about 20 miles from Phoenix, close to civilization.

I've read there are 57 acres on the north and 185 acres on the south which will house a 10,000 seat ballpark among other facilities.

The entire project is expected to hit the 108 million dollar mark. If that alone does not prove that Mr. Dolan and his staff are grooming for a pennant-winning team, nothing will.

Along with spankin' brand new digs, you'd guess the fees would go up a bit. Some of the ticket prices mirror Progressive Field costs. I have not heard the range of prices for the food concessions, but have been told the selection should please everyone. They profess to have a full menu ranging from the traditional hot dog and burger to peanuts, shrimp, nachos, pizza, Polish and Italian sausage and even breaded pickles! And get this, you may be miles away from Cleveland, Ohio but will feel as if you are in Ohio City when you quench your thirst (for those over 21 please) with a Great Lakes Brewery beer!

The only other drawback I'm hearing about is that fan accessibility or close proximity is not as enticing as before. That's a little disappointing.


But, let's not get ahead of ourselves before its total completion.

All that really matters is that baseball season has arrived. We soon will be hearing the soothing sounds of the crack of the bat or a ball swishing into the catcher's mitt.

If you want to have a fun and exciting Spring and Summer, perk up and keep on top of the happenings down in Goodyear, Arizona over the coming weeks and then keep the fever rolling as the Indians kick off their home season on April 10th at Progressive Field.

The Indians will be a part of another history-making milestone when they play the New York Yankees on April 16th in the Yankees' home opener at their new stadium.

It's a sign of great things to come.

So catch the fever, and you too, will see why Goodyear, Arizona and the Cleveland Indians' Spring Training Camp is this week's Hidden Gem!

Be a believer!!!!!!!!!!!!!