CLEVELAND -- #Believeland
The city of Cleveland hadn't seen a major professional sports championship in decades before the Cavaliers made history by winning the NBA Finals this past June. Might it become two consecutive pro sports seasons? The Cleveland Indians take part in MLB's World Series, beginning Tuesday night in Cleveland's own Progressive Field at 8:08 p.m. ET.
Just over a half hour earlier, the Cavs will be getting their NBA championship rings in front of a packed house in Quicken Loans Arena, which is right next door. Yes, for those who were unaware, it's right next door.
There's even this ice sculpture in between ... with LeBron's face!
Pretty cool with Cavs right next door pic.twitter.com/NXvt0s8HBY
— Matt Snyder (@MattSnyderCBS) October 25, 2016
Needless to say, the city is bracing for a huge night.
Knowing all this, I arrived at the ballpark about an hour before the media entrance opened. I just wanted to walk around. It was 1 p.m., or seven freaking hours before the start of the World Series. No matter, there was already a buzz.
Fans were out taking pictures, waiting in lines, discussing the upcoming night and already getting drinks in the local watering holes. There were Cavs jerseys and Indians jerseys alike. Oh, and Cubs jerseys, too.
And you know what was so cool that I haven't seen in the past several years (this is my sixth World Series)? Fans of opposing teams telling each other they are happy for the other side. I sat at a bar for lunch and overheard more than one conversation that revolved around something like:
"I'm so happy we're playing you guys," says the Indians fan. "I'm happy for you."
"Same here, I'm so happy for you guys," replies the Cubs fan.
Or vice versa.
The general sentiment was a friendly, man, I hope our side wins but I'm really happy to be playing your side.
Good ol' Midwestern friendliness and mutual respect.
Still, the Cubs fans were massively outnumbered by the legions of Cleveland fans who now have a huge sense of pride in their local sports teams (at least the NBA and MLB ones).
Pride, in Cleveland? Believe it.
#Believeland, indeed.