The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
First game in person stirs fans’ memories
Dingy Stadium concourse gives way to seeing field ‘explode in technicolor’
Jeff Schudel vividly remembers the first time he saw an Indians game live at Municipal Stadium.
I do not remember the first date I went on as a teenager, but I vividly remember the first time I saw an Indians game live at Municipal Stadium.
I was 7 or 8 years old when my mom surprised me by taking me to see the Indians and Reds play an exhibition game one summer night around 1960. I didn’t know where we were going when we got in the car, but when we parked and started walking toward the stadium, I realized I was going to see — in my mind — the great Woodie Held play shortstop and swing the bat.
Our seats were in the upper deck. I will never forget walking up the ramp and seeing the bright lights and the outfield for the first time. It seemed so vast. The grass was immaculate. I thought it was impossible three men could cover so much land.
That recollection prompted me to ask Twitter followers about the first time they saw a game in person. I hope the responses awaken memories and make us all smile.
• Coach Cardinal wrote: “May 2, 1959. With my dad. Saw Herb Score pitch vs. the Yankees. A 5-2 Cleveland win, Herbie pitched a six-hit complete game. (Just looked it up) I remember walking along the dingy lower deck concourse and through a portal out to the stands, and seeing the greenest grass I’ve ever seen.”
• Grandpa Mike wrote: “Cleveland Stadium, early 1960s. My grandfather took me to my first game. I remember the size of the stadium. It seemed huge to me. I was probably 7 or 8 years old. The smells, beer, popcorn, peanuts and hot dogs. We bought a scorecard and then headed to our seats.”
• Lou Devincentis: “Early ‘70s at Municipal Stadium. Upper deck GA seats. I was 4 or 5. Hot dogs with Stadium Mustard and a flat Coca-Cola. Buddy Bell made two amazing plays at third. He was my favorite player from that point on.”
• Todd: “My first recollection was at the old stadium I believe in ‘81, which would’ve made me 8 years old. We were sitting on the first base side probably about 10 rows behind the dugout. Super Joe (Charboneau) was walking by in between the dugout and the first base line. I said, “Hey, it’s Super Joe!” My dad said go get an autograph, but all I could do is yell “Hey Joe!” My mom got a picture of him waving, lol.”
• Don Filips: “Bat days were by far the most vivid memories of my first baseball games. Chuck Hinton, the Great Wallenda, the King and his Court! Most importantly it was time well spent with my dad at Cleveland Municipal Stadium!”
• Keep the mask on: “1953, 5 years old, Dad took me to Municipal Stadium for a game. Walked the bridge over the lower bowl into upper deck box seats. Was in awe of the colors. 40 years later, 1993 last year at Stadium, did the same thing with my 5 year old!! He acted just like I did. Had a few tears BTW.”
• Robert Kevern: “Indians vs. Angels. I was 9. It was during the 1993 season. My brother took me to the game and we had seats right behind the Angels’ dugout. During the game, Tim Salmon cracked his bat. After the game, my brother had me yell for a ball. Instead, Salmon gave me his cracked bat!”
• Nicholas Santilli: “Cleveland Stadium, early 1960s. My grandfather took me to my first game. I remember the size of the stadium. It seemed huge to me. I was probably 7 or 8 years old. The smells, beer, popcorn, peanuts and hot dogs. We bought a scorecard and then headed to our seats.”
• Don Rose: “I’m 7 years old in 1965 and my dad
takes me to Fenway Park to see the Tigers play the Red Sox. Walking in we see Norm Cash and get his autograph. Next we go in and the beauty of Fenway, the green monster, seeing Yaz and Tony Conigliaro, George Scott, Kaline. Wow!”
• Ken Alessi: “I was 6 and went to Municipal Stadium with some relatives including my great aunt. I got Leon “Daddy Wags” Wagner’s autograph. I was hooked and have been an Indians fan for over 60 years. Still waiting for the title.”
• Ken Krsolovic: “1965, age 7. Forbes Field. Can still picture the view from seats. Went to Pitt for a convention with family. Took cab from hotel to ballpark. Never forget getting out of the cab and dad saying “this reminds me of League Park”. First I’d heard of it and later wrote the book!”
Note: Krsolovic did write “League Park,” a fascinating book about where the Cleveland baseball teams played from 1891-1946.
• Alomar 15: “I was 4 or 5 and scared of loud noises , I didn’t want the Indians to hit any home runs because I didn’t like the fireworks :) it was prob 1980 at the old stadium.”
• Jeff Mruk: “Going to old Cleveland Stadium with my dad and seeing Chambliss, Greg Nettles. Before being sent to N.Y. That beautiful spacious green grass.”
• Rob Hill: “I was around 6 years old (mid ‘80s). My
dad took me and my older brother to the old Stadium to watch the Tribe. We sat in the lower deck in right field. We were the only ones in that section except for a guy who was by himself keeping score. He had 1,000 flies buzzing around him.”
• Sprock: “I remember going to old Municipal with Tribe playing A’s. They were the champs and they had Reggie. Met Charlie Finley. Got his autograph while my brother told him we had a donkey farm. I was 10. I’m 59 now.”
• Ramin Meshginpoosh: “Was a Sunday DH vs. Brewers in ‘79, was 7 years old. Thunder Thornton was my favorite player and he hit a HR in each game. I remember that very first walk from the gray, dingy concourse to the seats to see the field explode in technicolor. For a kid, just the absolute best.”
• Roger: “July 24, 1965. Cleveland Municipal Stadium with my family as a 9 year old. Sudden Sam beats the Yankees. First memory is watching the Yankees taking batting practice when we arrived and were seated behind the third base dugout. I can still see the gray flannel uniforms.”
• Chris: “1974 at Municipal Stadium. I was 8 years old. Dick Bosman was throwing a no-hitter against the A’s. I didn’t realize what was happening and my dad, not wanting to jinx it, wouldn’t mention it. He just kept saying, “LOOK at the scoreboard!” I finally
got it.
• Dad Brag photography: “1981, I was 10, the Indians were playing the Toronto Blue Jays. It was bat day. At one point in the game, the PA announcer asked everyone to lift the bat above their head. Can you imagine something like that happening now? Still have the bat.”
• KramKram00: “I was around 8 years old in the mid 70’s. My Dad was a CTS (now RTA) bus driver, he took a group down and I got to go. I remember Boog Powell and the all red uniforms. Remember asking my Dad, do we boo if the other team does good?”
• Layla’s Dad: “1991 Indians vs A’s. We got the tickets and a bus ride to the game for 5 bucks from my elementary school. After that, my dad took me to about 10 other games that summer. I got to see Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken and Rickey Henderson among others that season.”
• Browns Backers MTL: Opening Day 1973: At 6 years old, part of the throng of 74,420 that saw the Indians beat the Detroit Tigers, 2-1. The lasting memory of the day was seeing the old stadium filled to the brim and my dad telling us how when he was a kid the stadium was often filled for Indians games.”
This might just be the first chapter of shared memories. If this story kindles more recollections, we will be happy to share them on another off day for the Indians.