Leo: Super Blog XLVI

The city of Indianapolis is in full recovery mode after the spectacle that was Super Bowl XLVI steamrolled through town. Now, the giant “Zip Line” must come down, the hotels must clean up, and Victory Field can return to a ballpark instead of a stop along the parade.

The Indianapolis Indians home welcomed broadcasting folks like the “Dan Patrick Show” over the last week, and, hosted the “Celebrity Beach Bowl” transforming into an inland beach thanks to a million pounds of imported sand and a giant tent stationed on the field. A “who’s who” of movie stars, music performers, and professional athletes then played a game of flag football in front of thousands of fans. The musical group ”The Fray” performed afterward. Now the clean up begins because in less than two months, Victory Field will open its gates for baseball, just like our own Huntington Park.

The Super Bowl is as over-hyped as anything we ever experience. The talking heads spend two weeks dissecting everything from play-calling to which hoodie Bill Belichick will wear on the big day. I love sports talk radio, but I usually take a break from it leading up to the “Big Game”.

As it turned out, this year’s game lived up to any and all expectations, a close game with a heart-stopping finish. Those who have very little rooting interest can ask for nothing more. The commercials were not as good as is tradition, but Madonna’s halftime show was, believe it or not, entertaining…

Some people will play the cynical role and bash all of it, and the social media age has made that sort of thing much too prevalent. We know the debates about the game, commercials, and even Madonna will be the fuel of the day at workplaces all across the nation.

That is, assuming you go to work. I read that about seven million people call in sick on the Monday after the Super Bowl.

The Giants took home the hardware with a 21-17 victory and after the confetti had fallen to the ground and the cameras were shut off, the football off-season was underway. That means a lot of things to a lot of people; to me it means baseball is almost here.

Some of the Cleveland Indians players have already made their way to Goodyear to begin working out for spring training. Everyone will be there within the next two weeks.

In related news, a gentleman passed me at a grocery store the other day and saw I was wearing a Clippers jacket. He stopped me and started talking about his days as a child attending Columbus Jets games on West Mound Street. He spoke of his memories at the old ballpark, eating hotdogs and spending time with his father. He spoke about taking his own children to see pin-striped Clippers and says he now goes, as a grandfather, to spend time with his family Huntington Park several times each summer.

His eyes seem to light up when he saw the Clippers logo, obviously because it reminded him of many great things. I think that’s the most exciting thing about each approaching season, the thought of more great memories-to-be. Get ready.

“Fore!”

The Clippers are teaming with the Southern Ohio PGA chapter for a special promotion on July 17^th called “Pros at the Park”. It will feature “Chipping for Charity” after the game, benefiting The Miracle League of Dublin. There will be golf instruction for kids at various points along the concourse and chipping instruction by some area course pros prior to the game. Stay tuned for more details!

“Kotchman joins the Tribe”

As Ryan discussed, the Indians have inked 1B Casey Kotchman to a one year, $3 million deal. Kotchman, 28, is fresh off his best offensive season of an eight year career. Last season with Tampa Bay, Kotchman hit .306 with 24 doubles, 2 triples, 10 HR, 48 RBI in 146 games. He is a career .268 hitter with the Angels, Braves, Red Sox, Mariners, and Rays. Kotchman, who is very solid defensively, will go to camp to be the Indians starting first baseman. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com has more on the Kotchman deal.

The Tribe will make a 40-man move in the next few days to official place Kotchman on the roster. There is already plenty of speculation as to who will be dropped. Take a look at the roster and pick some candidates for yourself.

 “One down, one to go”

The Indians signed LHP Rafael Perez to a one-year deal, thus avoiding arbitration. He is the sixth arbitration eligible player to sign and only Asdrubal Cabrera remains. Cabrera and the Indians are reportedly discussing a multi-year deal, something that none of his teammates have received from the club.

“Happy Birthday”

Does your son or daughter have a birthday this spring? If so, look into booking a party a Huntington Park! The birthday child receives a Clippers hat, Clippers “Happy Birthday” mini bat, and “Happy Birthday” card from the Clippers. All children attending the birthday party will get a coupon for an inflatable game and a Clippers gift! Click here for the details.

We are less than two months from Opening Day! Click here to buy tickets!

Have a great week.