Friday, January 27, 2012

Flashback: Indians Fans Do Not Want or Need a Prince Encore

Prince Fielder will return to Progressive Field for the first time since 2009 and he'll spend a lot more time on the shores of Lake Erie.  Even though it was only a 3-game series the Indians pitchers had no answer for him as he had 6 hits in 11 at-bats, drew 5 walks, drove in 8 runs, and hit a mammoth grand slam. Indians fans certainly do not want an encore from Prince in 2012 and beyond.



On June 15, 2009, the Cleveland Indians were sitting in last place in the AL Central 6.5 games out first place with a record of 29-37.  There was still hope that the Indians could turn their season around, one winning streak and the Tribe would be right back in the thick of  pennant race, right?  A crowd of 25,415 were at the park to watch the Indians take on the Milwaukee Brewers and there was extra energy in the air as the Indians were celebrating "Major League" night.

Fans were given a "Wild Thing" bobblehead, Bob Ueker threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Additionally, he was in the Indians booth as a guest announcer.  The fans were treated to four hours of baseball, the Indians scored 12 runs, hit four home runs, and held leads of 8-3 lead and 12-6.

Unfortunately, for the Indians fans in attendance that night they'd have to watch the Brewers continue to come back and finally pass the Tribe on the strength of an 8-run Brewer outburst, highlighted by Prince Fielders Grand Slam, to defeat the Indians 14-12.

Fielder's slam was the beginning of the end for Tribe skipper Eric Wedge was unable to summon the magic of Lou Brown and lead the Indians to a rousing magical finish to the season.  Wedge was fired as manager of the Indians at the end of the 2009 season. 

THE 8TH INNING DISASTER



2 comments:

  1. This is a very important topic. In 2008, The Indians had the second best record in A.L. after the All Star Break, only World series winner Boston had a better record.

    So there was great anticipation for 2009. This was the kind of series that could have turned the 2009 season around. Great memory.

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