It's a sad, but true fact that the great city of Cleveland is lacking what it once had. The swagger. The respect. The wins. You get the point. Years have gone by since a championship banner was raised in Cleveland. The years of the Cardiac Kids are well behind the newly formed losing traditions of the Browns since returning to the NFL. The Indians of the 90s of Nagy, Alomar, Baerga, Thome, Belle and Vizquel and their World Series misfortunes are only but a dream when watching the tribe today. The Cavs of Price, Daurgherty, Ehlo and Ferry have been overshadowed by The Decision and the "Chosen One" leaving his home...Cleveland...for the record I never chose him as the one, did you?
A city that was full of promise, pride and quality sports is now overrun with hard times, crime and unfortunate turns in the economy. Corrupt politicians have led the city down the wrong path for the past few decades, with little desire for change from the citizens, except for more of the same. You know it's bad in Cleveland that when Dimora and is rag tag team of about 25 merry corrupt men were taken from public office and thrown into prison and no one outside the Cleveland covered it. A recent Men's Health article gave Cleveland an F for the best places for single men to live in the country and Men's Fitness Magazine gave Cleveland another failing grade for fattest cities for men.
Cleveland has become (unfortunately) a joke among the great thriving metropolises, a shame from what it once was in the days of Rockefeller and Carnegie. In the words of Rodney Dangerfield we "can't get no respect." The state up north, the one that looks like a mitten and is often referred to as the Armpit of America has given up the top spot of worst city in the country, so that Cleveland could be #1 in something. If that's true that Michigan is the Armpit of America, then most people (outside of Cleveland) must make us out to be the flabby arm skin that hangs below it.
LeBron embarrassed us on national television and we were made out to be evil fans and unappreciative. Now we actually have something that we didn't have with LBJ and that's called a team. A new concept for the Cavs. Yet, it's been two seasons and not once as he been knocked down while driving to the hole, given a "love tap" or even a hard foul just to let him know how we feel. It's surprising that a team that he nationally called out and said he could never win with wouldn't have hard feelings. Hmmmm.
James Harrison has knocked out Colt McCoy two seasons in a row and multiple other Browns, but never once did a linemen or receiver knock him on his tuckus or wrestled him to the ground after the whistle. Sure last season we knocked out Big Ben, the guy who with millions of dollars and a few Super Bowl rings still can't get a girl without the help of liquor and a public restroom. Not once was he given a bit of a push in retaliation for how Harrison cheaply abused Colt and Cribbs.
This past weekend Choo was hit for the second time by a pitcher who beamed him last season, sending him to the bench for a major part of the season. The benches cleared. Later in the game, the Cleveland pitcher hits a batter. Benches cleared again. The best part is that in the midst of both bench clearings was Jack Hannahan. He wasn't involved directly with either altercation, but he stood up for his team. Guided by his pride for team and town he defended what he is...a Cleveland Indian.
I don't know who he is aside from on the ball field. I don't know if he's a good person off the field. I don't care. Finally we have someone in a sports uniform of Cleveland who will go to bat for his town in more than one way. He has pride for town and team, and for that I salute you...I might actually go to games now just because of that.
The city is evolving. It's becoming alive. It's a city for any foodie. The Rock Hall is bringing huge events. The aquarium has opened. The flats are being built back to life. Construction, expansion and development are seen all over. Movies are being filmed here. We have community festivals on the bottom portion of abandoned historical bridges. The casino is supposed to open sometime in May. Good days are drawing near. Neighborhoods are becoming communities again; working together to keep crime away and to draw up a sense of unity. Hospitals are popping up like money making dandelions in your front yard, some of them ranked amongst the best in the country. Heck, Cleveland's even made the trusty old grilled cheese sandwich into a trendy staple of deliciousness, three hour waits and a symbol of social elitism. Although not statistically proven Cleveland has the most attractive female news anchors (at least Fox 8's morning show does). I wake up excited to watch the news. Kristi Capel you're amazing! For our sports there really is next year. Two first rounders for the Cavs and two for the Brownies. Can't forget Great Lakes Brewery...I rest my case.
The "mistake by the lake" will rise again, showing that the real mistake was anyone who doubted it in the first place. Like any good underdog story it's the unsuspected hero who has the last laugh and that day is nearing.
Thank you Jack Hannahan for reminding me why I'm proud to be a Clevelander. Although I hope to take my talents to South Beach...of the Scioto in Columbus, you've instilled into me my passion for The New American City. Your testament of pride and passion has made me want to be a fiery ambassador for the city on the North coast just as you had in Kansas City.
To you sir, and to the city I know so well, I make a toast to you as I raise my Conway's in one hand a Slyman's corned beef sandwich in the other, and say with pride, as we have many times before: Can't wait for next year or the year after that.
Disclaimer: I don't condone fighting, nor do I like cheap shots or bad sports, but there's a difference between cheap shots and having pride for your team. Go Browns...please don't draft a quarterback in the first or second round, we need play makers. Kristi Capel, if you were to ever read this, I know you're married, only if you would've met me first, just saying.
Until next time...
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