When I arrived home this evening, a nice surprise was waiting for me. My son, Richard, had sent me a (belated) Father's Day gift. Better late than never and he had really put considerable thought (& $) in it:
I placed it on my dresser where I will see it everyday (and think of my son and the good times we've had a "The Jake").
The text on the back says:
The most deserving baseball fans in America were those who braved the dank, lakefront conditions of Cleveland Municipal Stadium. When they were rewarded with sparkling Jacobs Field in 1994 they responded in record-setting fashion. After averaging near capacity the first two years, Indians fans set the most prestigious attendance mark ever: fire straight sold out seasons: 455 consecutive games. The string began when the 1996 season sold out entirely before opening day. A 1995 World Series and record-setting 30-game romp to the AL Central title had its benefits. Every seat for every game sold until the beginning of the 2001 season. Punctuating that stretch was the 1997 All-Star Game and another World Series in '97 amid a string of five straight division titles.
Designed by HOK Sport, among Jacobs Field features are angled seats beyond first and third base that point to the pitcher's mound. It was the first stadium to open after Baltimore's Camden Yards revolutionized new construction with retro styling and "The Jake" followed suit. Its exposed steel blends with the area's bridges. Unique vertical light standards complement nearby high-rise buildings. Ever-changing downtown comes inside with its open left field.
Fans have new ownership in 1985 to thank. Richard and David Jobs bought the team with the purpose of building a new stadium and revitalizing a big portion of downtown. Working with the Gateway Economic and Development Corporation, the Indians funded 52 percent of the $175 million price tag and a 15-year county tax the remainder.
New ownership has succeeded the Jacobs brothers but "The Jake" will remain their legacy. And the "Mistake by the Lake" is just a cold memory.
Capacity: 43,345
Outfield distances (l-r): 325, 405, 325.
But wait! There's more!
I hung this in my dining room, by the door into the kitchen. This is great mustard (especially on a juicy hot dog).
And still there is more:
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| What the F is this? |
We really don't know exactly what this is, other than it has the
Chief Wahoo image. We love the Chief but he is being phased out due to ignorant PC. His smile reminds us of good times watching the Tribe (win or lose). Due to its unusual shape, we think this might be a fan Have no idea what the white flexible handle/hook does. If anyone knows what this really is, let me know. Thanks.
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