We all need makeovers

As we all like to shake it up every now and then or liven it up with a makeover, so does the news business on their sets and in the news room.

Now is the time.

I walked into work today amid hammering, moving, hanging new set pieces, placing new pictures on the newsroom wall, and a whole new bank of television sets near the Sports Department.

What a breath of fresh air.

I have to admit, I don't remember if we've ever done this since we moved in to the new digs. Maybe once, but that's it.

I love the new color scheme with oranges, reds, and blues. Tremendous!

Near the news assignment desk we have two HUGE glass casings which WKYC-HD on them on either side of the news desk. They are a bit slanted, and at times scare me that they will tumble over.

Near Sports, we have some new fancy HD TV's where we can monitor the competition as well as our own news, MSNBC, CNN, and a few other stations.

At various other locations throughout the newsroom, we have some wonderfully painted murals depicting Cleveland: Progressive Field, Cleveland Browns Stadium, the Rock Hall, City Hall, etc.

And directly behind the set, we have a colorful, hanging screen dividing Studio A with the News Room proper.

It makes it much easier for the anchors and weather folks to enter the studio, especially during breaking news and weather. They can hop right on the set.

As with any new set, the first few days are spent checking the lighting, the placement of pictures and monitors and just making sure the whole thing comes together nicely!

Well done everyone who had their hand in this makeover. Bravo!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Friday Night Fever

A long standing tradition with a rich history: Friday Night Fever.

Friday Night Fever has many differing connotations.

First and foremost, FNF consists of wkyc's high school football coverage every Friday night during high school football season.

It usually kicks off in the end of August and goes deep into October with high school football playoffs and championships.

Our zany cast of "Predictors" share their choices during our 6pm news show.

Back in the day before television news and sports began changing, FNF was in its hey-day!

A time when you had to tune into the television sports shows each weekend to get your sports highlights and final scores.

Well, even with cell phones and video cameras, each school having their own multi-media department or television station, skype, highlights on Facebook or even Twitter, wkyc's Friday Night Fever reigns supreme.

The Channel 3 News crews shoot the clearest, crispest video in town.....shoot from down in the mix with the action, and oftentimes becoming part of the action when the teams barrel into their close proximity.

The sports department works closely with the news assignment desk and the crews in order to efficiently cover as many games as possible and offer our viewers multiple highlights from around Northeast Ohio and sometimes beyond!

At the end of the evening, each crew sends all of their highlights to wkyc.com so our customers can view highlights over and over again....as well as Donovan or Chudowsky's entire Friday Night Fever show.

But, wait. There's more.

The 2nd half of FNF consists of the fun, frivolity, and feeling of family back in the newsroom. It has become tradition on this end as well.

Regardless of how many people are working or how many games we are able to shoot, we do it up right.

Pizza, Chicken, Pasta or Sub Sandwiches....coupled with chips and pretzels, cheese and crackers, soda pop and juice, caramel apples, fruit or salads....whatever people dream up, we'll take it!

The star of FNF--drum roll please--Pat Woodside's con queso dip and any cookie he chooses to whip up!

In the olden days, we had the "Chuckie Doll" out covering the Big Game...we had high school bands live on set....we had huge blow up characters outside the station and Mr. Fever covering Akron Sports.

We've managed to adapt to the changing times as we continue putting our superior sports stamp on Friday Night Fever lead by Sports Anchor Jim Donovan, Dave Chudowsky, and Lynn Olszowy....and then wrap it up with a nice bow chomping on a Pat Woodside Reese's Peanut Butter cookie!

Tune into Friday Night Fever every Friday evening during High School Football, and you too, will see why it is this week's Hidden Gem!!

1200+ email did me in

Believe it or not, the barrage of email this week has done me in.

I've been in writhing pain all week long--the symptoms of carpal tunnel in my right arm, right shoulder, and right upper back. It has been constant.

Of course, the diagnosis will not be confirmed until I am able to see a doctor, but all arrows point to the problematic ailment caused by typing on the computer (ironically, what I am doing right now).

This week more than most I've been on the computer non-stop answering between 1200-1600 email accumulated from vacation.

Our webmaster is on vacation for a few weeks and it's my duty to attach a higher volume of video to our website all week long.

That totals over 45 hours on the computer Monday thru Friday.

I will be more sparing, careful, and sensitive to this issue in the coming weeks. I have a feeling these entries (which I find enlightening and oftentimes entertaining) may be curtailed or shortened until further notice. Or at least until I can clear up this war wound.

Be careful out there!

Good Luck, Kelsey!

(l. to r. Danielle, Kelsey, Julie)


I say goodbye to yet another intern extraordinaire!





Sarah left a few weeks ago.





Today is Kelsey's last day at wkyc.





She's on her way to another exciting adventure as an intern with Scrubs and Cougar Town (I think that's the name of the new show).





Kelsey came to Channel 3 willing to work, do anything, and learn everything and anything she could hoping to find her niche.





She fit in right away.





Did not mind doing anything and everything asked of her.





I hope she enjoyed herself (she said she did) as she got an idea of what it's like to work in television news.





I really think she got closer to knowing what she does and does not want to do, and let's face it, that is one of the main reasons for internships!





There are interns you know you won't ever speak with again. Kelsey is not one of them. I know we will keep in touch if it's via Facebook, email, post cards or even a periodic phone call.





I wish Kelsey the best of luck on her extraordinary adventure.





To be continued. . .

An 'almost' sick day

Holy Smokes!

I am rarely sick. Even when I am ailing, I usually drag myself into work!

So when I call off, it's either because I can not see from my allergies or can not detach myself from a 'certain' room in the house long enough to make it into work OR a family member is ill.

Today was a close one.

I really thought I was going to have to burn a sick day, but thankfully, I did not.

A family member of mine was in bad sorts after having a bad reaction to new medication. I had to monitor her like a hawk.

We were not sure if she would wind up at the doctor's office, or worse, in the hospital (and become an actual news story!).

Fortunately, with age comes wisdom.

We were able to diffuse the situation somewhat before any doctors even called us back.

By the time I was supposed to exit for work, she was back up to 80 percent.


Now, me, on the other hand --a different story!

I still have my aching right arm, shoulder and upper back!! I'm a mess but trudged into work to continue wading through and eliminating the 1200+ email which accumulated during my vacation last week!!

Honestly, that's pretty much all I've been doing this week so far.

Email email email and then web work. It's been interesting, busy, and very time consuming.

But, I know when I delete that last email, a huge weight will be lifted off of my shoulders! A real sense of accomplishment!

1000+ email and counting...

Back in the saddle, the big chair.

As I drove up to the building, I saw yellow crime tape draping the entrance-way and said, 'oh my?' Don't worry folks, it appears that we've re-done our front walkway.

Then I entered the newsroom and saw a new desk person sitting at the news assignment desk (much anticipated and quite expected). I met her before I left for vacation. A bright young woman looking forward to this experience welcoming everything and anything with open arms.

Our main web woman is off so for the next week or so, I am web girl as well attaching video from our news shows as well as the normal web work I do.

And next, we have a few new monitors back near sports. I never made it out of the newsroom but apparently, a lot can happen in a week!


I'd like to say I'm back 100% refreshed, but really, do any of us ever get totally rejuvenated in today's world?

I had a wonderful vacation (though much of it was spent chasing fruit flies--those pesky critters).

I still had home obligations but did not have to race into work each day. I had the luxury to finish a chore, an errand, a phone call, or just finish my sudoku without having to put it down and head into the office.

Cleveland Indians games night after night--and they had a great stretch!

Seeing college friends, former co-workers, and neighbors normally not in the mix.

My time away from the news desk was well spent in preparing myself for coming back to the news assignment desk!

It did not go too fast or too slowly. As Goldilocks said, it was 'just right!'

And for some reason, I did not freak out a few days before (like I normally do) realizing the daunting task of 'catching up.'

I knew full well that I'd have email up the kazoo....I made a point of watching any newscast I could so I was kind of up to speed on our coverage as well as keeping track of the local papers to be aware of the happenings around town.

But I knew the email would be tremendous.

And at last count I am over 1000+ and still counting...

The 'new' Danielle takes one email at a time knowing her limits and capabilities.

Glad to be back aching to kick a little booty!

a time of dancing.....(and baseball...)

Swing by and Spray will be on hiatus for a week while I take a long anticipated and much needed vacation away from the office.

When I first entered the broadcasting business oh so many years ago, I was on 24/7, even when I was taking an 'official vacation break.'

With time and age comes wisdom. Just like a fine wine.

Of course, I am still on 24/7 (it's in my blood) and if I see news happening, I'll be right on it and the first to report it!

But, I have a friend who was on vacation this week....you would not know it by the website posts that continued popping up.

Oh, maybe in my younger days...

However, I would like to quote from two very serious, two very credible, and two very legitimate sources on how life should be lived in order to preserve its essence and one's sanity.

First, regardless of your religion, the Book of Ecclesiastes gives wonderful insight as it recites: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every activity under the heaven....a time to laugh.....a time of dancing.....I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves during their lives."

Next, the most trusted man in America and probably the greatest news broadcaster to ever live believed, and not only believed but LIVED out first hand this wonderful directive: "To do your job the best you can, you've got to 'play' in equal amounts."

On that note, I hear my sanity in the far off distance calling me. . . . .see you in a week or so. . .

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: The Cuyahoga County Fair

Let me be honest with you all, I am going to link this entry to the Cuyahoga County Fair's website because I don't want to rehash everything going on each day but there is absolutely no way 'jose' I can adequately give you all the interesting ins and outs of the Fair's daily agenda.

I do remember attending the fair as a little girl and have only fond memories.

When I was just a youngster, I had a garden. I took great pride in that garden and would visit it almost every day to check on each and every vegetable as well as clearing those pesky weeds away.

I planted so much, it was ridiculous. But we loved it. Having a gardening coach, he told us exactly how to plant and take care of each item.

Today as an adult, I wish I had a gardening coach who could tell me how deep or shallow to burrow down for certain vegies and all the tricks of the trade.

I yielded: corn, beets, kohlrabi, swiss chard, carrots, cucumbers, green peppers, onions, radishes, beans, lettuce....I remember harvesting and having my basket overflowing each trip.

Oh, those memories.

Well, when we would go to the fair, not only was I interested in the piglets, horses, cows, petting zoo, goats, and all of the farm animals, as well as the rides and the gooey food I normally was not allowed to eat, but, I too was so interested in the vegetables on display and who won a blue ribbon or red ribbon or gold ribbon. I was so enamored with the largest pumpkins and the longest carrots as I was a farmer of sorts.

The fair sure does bring back vivid memories as I'd go with my Aunt and Uncle and sometimes my Uncle's mother or the entire family would go.

My Mom's family had a farm in Chardon so she was dashed back to her childhood days.

I just liked being out in the open air (even though I had so many allergies and probably should NOT have been around the animals and flowers and such) running wild. It sounded like there was music being piped out from every crevice in every single spot of the fairgrounds. I just loved hearing music everywhere I went. The music made everything so much more festive!

Ah, those were the days which every child should experience and memories every adult should savor.

I certainly hope you all can make your way to the 113th annual Cuyahoga County Fair at the Berea Fairgrounds so you too can see why it is this week's Hidden Gem!

Shopping Spree at the wkyc store

Whenever I have to get something for someone and don't quite know what to get, I head to the wkyc store!

I don't mind forking over the cash because the prices are so reasonable and I am proud to wear 'my heart on my sleeve' so to speak!

So this visit, I have a few birthdays coming up, out-of-town visitors and then a few couples who have been so welcoming and accommodating to me and my Mom, I just went nuts!

After perusing the store, I found the grey peacock shirt, the black long sleeve shirt, a wkyc crew jacket, umbrellas, mugs, caps, and believe it or not something I hope I won't have to use for MONTHS--an ice scraper!

Beats fighting the crowds in the mall, vying for parking spaces, and wasting precious gas money!

Mission accomplished at the wkyc store!

News desk nuggets

Over the last week, we've had some interesting happenings in the newsroom and on the news desk which I'd like to encapsulate in one entry and share it as my 'News desk nuggets!'


*Long time General Sales Manager Tom Humpage has left wkyc for greener pastures and a new adventure as General Manager of WGME-TV in Portland, Maine. Tom was a great mentor to me personally. He will be missed. He had two stints at wkyc --11 years the first time and then 6 years when he came back.


*One of my interns, Sarah Cuiksa, finished her stay with Channel 3 last week and, she too, will be sorely missed. What a dream. Besides being just a gem of a person, you could tell her to do something but once and the next time, she had it down. She was my right arm when she worked with me logging the competition, answering phones, helping research, making calls and doing what we all do on the desk --just about EVERYTHING!!! I wish Sarah well and told her to keep in touch and visit when she gets back into town.


*We STILL get mail for former co-workers. Just this week, I've gotten mail for former anchor Tim White, and former reporters Vic Gideon, Bill Safos and Kate Lurie (a blast from my far far past back in the old building.). I will try and find out for a future entry how all of these folks are doing.


*And two of our shining stars in the newsroom will be inducted into the Press Club of Cleveland's Journalism Hall of Fame this October. Sports Anchor & radio voice of the Cleveland Browns Jim Donovan along with Managing Editor/Reporter-Anchor Dick Russ will join the esteemed ranks with former investigative reporter Paul Sciria, Regina Brett of the Plain Dealer, and William Wynne, former PD photographer. Former Cleveland Press and PD reporter Walt Bogdanich and PD Editorial Director Elizabeth Sullivan round out the group.

Congratulations to all of the honorees!!!

The skies opened causing havoc for thousands

One minute you needed your sunglasses, the next moment, torrential rains pounded northeast Ohio.

This happened a few weeks ago, not as severe.

Two weeks ago, as my crews approached a scene, the water had receded just as quickly as it fell and the situation had ended by the time they exited their vehicle.

There was not much to that storm.


Like night and day.

Today, the rain only lasted maybe 1/2 hour and then the sun came out again.

But the damage and destruction left behind by swift-moving Mother Nature left an impression sure to be felt for days.

In situations such as these, everything literally flies out the window. No logging. No beat calls except to follow up on damage, power outages, and details pertaining to the storm.

Our weather forecasters usually begin a LIVE web chat which lasts for the duration of the weather event so they can not only give up-to-the-minute details to our customers, but our viewers can share the severity of the incident in their neck of the woods.

Our LIVE web chats get dozens and dozens of followers, even hundreds who know they will get the latest news at their fingertips.

We were fortunate today. Clear details were coming in loud and strong on the scanners and we were on top of the hardest hit areas.

Crews were in Shaker Heights, Warrensville Heights, North Randall, Cleveland Heights, and of course, Cleveland.

I'm very proud of the way the desk handled today's event.

We had the latest details from First Energy, the cities in trouble, and shot a number of conditions from flooding, to wires down, poles down, trees blocking entire roadways.

On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the best, I believe the news desk scored a 5!

It feels good to know you've done everything you can and more and given your all.

This is bound to be a big story at least tomorrow but, more than likely, throughout the week ahead.

Stay tuned.....

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Vintage Ohio Wine Festival 2009

You talk about the 'perfect' festival for Northeast Ohio.

For those of you unfamiliar, Northeast Ohio has dozens and dozens of local wineries producing some of the best wine in the world.

It's quite amazing but than again, not. The old adage holds true, it is 'the best location in the nation.'

Yet again, Vintage Ohio comes back to Lake County.

Held every year at Lake Metroparks Farmpark, a two-day festival where you can find anything and everything, even if you are NOT a wine connoisseur.

First of all, the grounds of Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland, just breathtaking this time of year with all the foliage, flowers, animals, and earthly brilliance.

If you are not content with the surroundings, there is constant entertainment filling the air from start to finish.

Factor in over a dozen delicious restaurants to satisfy the hunger pangs as you wine taste all day long. And if you want to get down and dirty and try your hand at cooking, ICASI and The Loretta Paganini School of Cooking have classes and demonstrations all day long.

As I mentioned before, even if you are not partial to wine, there are many exhibitors set up and crafts on display to peruse and purchase throughout the festival.

And then of course, the star of the show--the main attraction. Almost two dozen wineries sharing their best of the best with show patrons.

It's quite the well-oiled machine. The show organizers have coordinated local lodging establishments to participate so that patrons are safe and happy! Attendees can stay at a local hotel or motel, grab the shuttle to the event, partake of the festivities and then safely ride back to their lodging.

People come from all over --not only Ohio but in from Pennsylvania as well as other states....this year, a group of college buddies spread out all over the country converged on Vintage Ohio as a mini-reunion.

The perfect weekend jaunt, really.

Believe it or not, preparation for Vintage Ohio 2010 has already begun, including planning for the 5K Race.

If you've never been, I urge you to keep your eyes on details for Vintage Ohio 2010, and then you too, will be able to 'sample' why Vintage Ohio is this week's Hidden Gem!

One big happy family

The only way I can describe today: warm and fuzzy.

We are at work, doing our jobs, but there is a 'blanket' of love covering the entire room today on many levels.

My previous post spoke of producer Amanda's baby shower.

A bit of sadness falls over the building as we say goodbye to a good friend and long time fellow employee.

General Sales Manager, Tom Humpage, departs Channel 3 for greener pastures after 6 years as he moves on to the position of GM at another market.

Tom's expertise--amazing! His kinship with staffers will be missed. He was always there for you if you needed him, when you needed him, always had a smile on his face. One of the snappiest dressers I've ever seen, bar none! The world would be a much better place if everyone took Tom's lead.

If that is not enough, cameraman Mark Smilor went out to profile a community garden in Lake County and came back with bags of fresh produce. I told you, the newsroom never lacks for food of any kind. Took me back to the olden days when we all had gardens at Harvey Rice and lived off the land.

The gods must be smiling on us today because we received an added BONUS --a visit from our favorite PR friend, Mike Rogers. Mike popped in to drop off his delectable tray of pastries as he spreads the word on the Cuyahoga County Fair and continuing season of the Goodtime III.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. A newsroom never lacks camaraderie, affinity, extended family friendships, and F-O-O-D!!!!!!!! MMMMM!

Amanda's baby shower

When you put in an exorbitant amount of time at work and spend so much quality time with your co-workers, work /friendship /family is bound to spill over and overlap.

That is the 'feeling,' the 'mood' today.

I came in a bit early for a baby shower for one of our producers, Amanda. She and her husband are expecting their first child.

One thing for sure in television, you always find an occasion to throw a party, have great food, and hopefully HO-HO Cake!!!

Trifecta!

Today, we had a wonderful shindig for Amanda showering her with gifts to welcome her little bundle of joy.

Always a nice break from the nitty gritty to actually grab a bite to eat and hide from the piercing scanners or the phones, even if it's for a half hour or so.

The menu, superb.

Assistant News Director and Social Media guru, Howard, brought in delicious , home-made quiche. Fabulous!

A little something for just about everyone: vegies, cheese, crackers, pepperoni, cookies, chips, candy, and yes, HO-HO Cake!!

Howard braved it out being the only male in the room.

What's really fun to watch--as soon as the shower breaks up, the rest of the men in the newsroom swarm in and start devouring the leftover foodstuffs!

Like clockwork and on cue, 3-2-1.

A wonderful chunk out of the afternoon to spend with our 'extended family.'

Congratulations Amanda (and Mark!!).

It just got 'kookier'

Yesterday's entry characterized a 'typical' Monday in the eyes of most.

Never did I imagine today, Tuesday, would be a bigger challenge?!?! WOW!

Though the bigger challenge, not as stressful. I'll take it!

When I walked in, it 'seemed' as if the entire day side photography staff had called off sick. Ok, maybe not all of them, but honestly, most!

Our Room 1 Operator informed me 'he was it' so be kind. We'll help him out anyway we can.

It's days like these where you realize your limitations, streamline, focus on the epitome of efficiency and plunge forward.

Even in the midst of yet another crazy day, we were still able to cover a HAZMAT at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, which could have been a doozy!

Fortunately, as an assignment editor, you are connected to PR people and official-types. When we learned of the dangerous chemical found in the zoo animal hospital, it was a matter of moments before we had details as I called my zoo buddies and got the skinny.

They followed procedure and the entire operation ran smoothly.


Even when the CEI transformer blew up shortly before 9:00 p.m., we were armed and ready because we had enacted an efficient plan all day long and had crews to head out there, cover the breaking news and have it back in time for the top of our newscast.


Yes, just as crazy, if not crazier but definitely not as tense or stressful.

I love this place!!!!

Monday, Monday

Boy, was today a stereotypical Monday.

Usually Monday is just another day in the sequence of days....no specific order, you just keep plugging along, and fortunately, all days are upbeat for me.

I never think of time in terms of 'Monday' or 'hump day' or even 'Friday.' Honestly, every day engages me in an interesting way.

I like to think of it as the 'lead off hitter syndrome.'

In the great scheme of things, the only time there is a lead off hitter is the very first batter. After that, whomever comes up to bat is just following the last guy. No one is first, no one is leading off anymore.

Same thing with Monday. The first Monday is long gone and now each day follows the next.


With all of that mumbo jumbo jargon, today WAS Monday.

WOW!

I've been 'strongly advised' to keep this blog as upbeat as possible. And, since I am an upbeat person, not an unreasonable request or difficult task to follow.

However, I also vow to roll with the directives 'Report the Facts, Respect the Truth.'

I'd be lying if I shared only positive scenarios in this blog about life on a news assignment desk and in a news room.

Today WAS Monday. From the get go, a very frustrating Monday feeling as if I was behind the 8-ball.

I enjoy solving puzzles and making everything turn out right.

But, I must admit, part of my shift E-X-A-S-P-E-R-A-T-I-N-G!

When I walked in I was asked to shoot a few stories, which is what I do. However, we had a few sick-outs, crews on vacation, and compounded--Cleveland Browns Training Camp is in full swing and we are required to attend each session (if possible). Today, Sports Director Jim Donovan and his producer requested to go LIVE.

It was quite the challenge, which I proudly say, I conquered!

I never got and still don't get how folks can request a long laundry list of items knowing the staffing constraints. Maybe it's because I usually come through and pull a rabbit out of my hat!!!!?!?

As soon as I walked in, the phone rang. I never even imagined it would be the elderly drunk veteran calling ALREADY! Sure enough, he was ranting and raving incoherent language screaming at the top of his lungs. Not a good way to begin the day, especially since he never calls just once --rather once every few minutes. Cue in the head pounding.

And then you have crews who sometimes check in and sometimes don't. I don't get that at all. It is such a huge help to have crews either check in 'in person' or by phone when they arrive, when they are heading out to a story, when they arrive at the story, and then when they are inbound from their story and arrive back at base.

This request is more for efficiency purposes rather than 'reigning power' over the crews.

Fortunately, I had intern Kelsey on the desk to at least field the phone calls while I waved my magic wand and cleared up all of these conundrums!

And 'poof,' everything WAS cleared up and we came out smelling like a rose!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Sandy Alomar, Jr.

Definitely a fan favorite in the city of Cleveland with Indians' fans.

This weekend Sandy Alomar, Jr. came back to Cleveland for his induction into the Cleveland Indians' Hall of Fame capping off one of the most emotional weeks for Indians' fans in years--some say since the Rocky Colavito trade in 1960.

He was inducted with pitcher Wes Ferrell, and former Owners Bill Veeck and Dick Jacobs, all great in their own right each carving out special places for themselves in all of our hearts.

The crowd gave Alomar a deafening standing ovation when his picture came up on the scoreboard, then his plaque was unveiled and then he entered the playing field on the long walk to the pitcher's mound. He took a ceremonious ride around the field waving to fans thanking them as they continue showing their love for this endearing ballplayer.

It's ironic that we received one of our most cherished players in a big trade sending home run hitter Joe Carter to San Diego for Alomar, Carlos Baerga and Chris James after the 1989 baseball season.

Alomar immediately made his mark by starting in the 1990 All-Star game and then being named 1990 AL Rookie of the Year.

His many accolades and honors are part of the reason he has been chosen this week's Hidden Gem!

Alomar has always embraced the city of Cleveland and its fans.

He gave his all, even through the years he struggled with knee and back injuries.

He'd sign autographs until there were no more to sign.

He made numerous public appearances and still comes back to Cleveland on occasion.

Part of this devotion may stem from growing up in the baseball world having a father and brother also in the game. Alomar's father, Sandy Alomar Sr, played in the major leagues for nearly 15 years and continues in many capacities today. We all know Sandy's brother, Roberto, who was a Cleveland Indian from 1999-2001 as part of the greatest ss-2b duo with Omar Vizquel.

Alomar was truly a team leader who thought of his fellow players, the fans, and winning first and foremost.

When Sandy was in town this weekend, he spoke about his memories here, the amazing times he had in the early to mid 90's as the Tribe made the playoffs 5 years in a row from 1995-1999.

1997 was a special year for him--too many honors to list. But 2 that come to mind are winning the MVP of the All-Star Game right here in Cleveland and his 30-game hitting streak.

Alomar acknowledged his 1997 career season but recalled that his greatest memories are from the post season with his teammates. He really did not care about individual stats unless it helped his team in some small way get to the big show!

My family was fortunate to see Sandy Alomar, Jr. in action personally and witness how great he really was off the field as well as on!

Sandy was my oldest niece's favorite player. She wrote to him on many occasions. She had the distinct honor of receiving at least one phone call from him (I think there were actually 2). On one of his disabled list stints, he took the time to call her up and thank her for her support and her wonderful fan letters.

My family would travel around the country following the Tribe and visiting as many ballparks as possible.

We were fortunate to be in Baltimore to not only see Sandy Alomar play his first game after a long stretch on the DL but to also see Bob Ojeda pitch his first game back after the awful Cleveland Indians' boating tragedy on Little Lake Nellie.

Baltimore fans and Cleveland fans alike cheered for both of these warriors.

On another occasion, we were on the road with 'the boys' and said hello to Sandy. He remembered my niece and thanked her again for her support. He asked her younger sister who her favorite player was and she was honest and said Omar. Much to my demise, I was wearing a Herbert Perry t-shirt at the time under a button-up shirt. Sandy did not even ask me who my favorite player was but glanced at my shirt and just rolled his eyes!

I'm sure every Cleveland fan has a special memory of Sandy Alomar, Jr.

He epitomizes the true essence of a major league ballplayer. If the Indians' were smart (and I'm not sure what they are right now after the events of last week), they would set their sights on Sandy Alomar, Jr. and get him back to Cleveland in some capacity to take us to the next level and back on the road to the World Series!