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You’ll know it the moment you walk through our doors. Doors you’ll find conveniently located throughout the heart of the region we’ve called for over a century. Every EMH Healthcare location is committed to providing our neighbors with expert care and exceptional caring. From heart care to orthopedics. From emergency care to maternity. From health and fitness to weight loss. You’ll feel the EMH difference. A difference that comes from not just being treated, but being treated like family.

To learn more about our many convenient locations and services, visit EMH-Healthcare.org. LORAIN COUNTY PREVIEW . . . .pg. 3 WEOL FORECAST MAGAZINE LORAIN COUNTY PREVIEW . . . .pg. 6 SPRING 2013 PREVIEW A Publication of AM 930 WEOL PREVIEW Volume 14 Issue 3 Andy “Bull” Barch tells us why 2013 is VP/GENERAL the season of change ...... pg. 8 Lonnie Gronek FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME LOCAL SALES MANAGER Tim Alcorn Tim Alcorn declares his love for EDITOR baseball & softball ...... pg. 13 Katie M. Loftis ASSISTANT EDITORS PREVIEW Craig Adams Suzy Peters Jim Rosenhaus tells us why Tribe fans should be Tim Alcorn Bruce VanDyke Tom Hutchison excited for the 2013 season ...... pg. 14 FEATURE WRITERS

BASEBALL SCHEDULES Tim Alcorn Jim Rosenhaus Jim Allen Todd Shapiro LAKE ERIE CRUSHERS ...... pg. 10 Andy Barch

CLEVELAND INDIANS ...... pg. 17 COVER DESIGN BozCorn Productions PUBLISHER WEOL BROADCAST SCHEDULES Douthit Communications KOLCZUN & KOLCZUN DIAMOND DUELS . .pg. 2 THE CRUSHERS ON WEOL ...... pg. 8 FROM THE DUGOUT ...... pg.15

ABOUT THE COVER: 2012 Lorain County Mr. Baseball was Brandyn Sittinger of Keystone. Brandyn helped lead Keystone to its second straight Division 3 District champi- onship. He compiled an 802 mark on the mound with a 1.04 ERA. Brandyn only allowed 32 hits and 9 earned runs in 65 innings during which he struck out 103 batters and walked 16. At the plate, Brandyn hit .400, had 38 hits and scored 38 runs, drove in 24 runs and stole seven bases. Brandyn is now pitch- ing at Division I Marshall University. 2012 Lorain County Miss Softball was Kenzie Conrad of Keystone. Kenzie won just about every honor imaginable after leading 32-0 Keystone to the state championship. She was 1st team All-American and Gatorade State Player of the Year in softball. In 2012, Kenzie was 25-0 on the mound with a 0.74 ERA and 178 in 142 innings. She also batted .485 with 44 RBI, 16 dou- bles, two triples and 11 home runs. Kenzie is now playing at Division I University of Akron. News.News. Sports.Sports. Talk.Talk.

Spring 2013 FORECAST Magazine 1 "In our sundown perambulations of late, through the outer parts of Brooklyn, we have observed several parties of youngsters playing 'base', a form of 'ball'. Let us go forth for awhile and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms. The game of 'ball' is glorious." -Walt Whitman I can’t recall how many years I’ve opened the spring edition of FORECAST from AM930 WEOL with the words of wisdom from Walt Whitman, but something tells me to use it again and again. Perhaps it reflects a time gone by; perhaps its signals a new time, a fresh start...time to get out- doors after a cold and snowy winter. This year, there is plenty of excitement and anticipation to go around. The Cleveland Indians will take the field with a new manager and at least two new players who have been All-Stars and the Lake Erie Crushers hope to return to the playoffs under new leadership. And of course, young men and women across Lorain County have been eager to return to the diamonds to show what they can do. Special thanks go to the outstanding advertisers who are supporting this magazine and our incomparable broadcast schedule of high school baseball and high school softball. Thanks also go to the athletic directors, managers and coaches for their support. Craig R. Adams It is indeed time to, “Play Ball!” Operations Manager AM930 WEOL

2 Spring 2013 FORECAST Magazine 2013 LORAIN COUNTY SOFTBALL PREVIEW

By: Todd Shapiro the Year award. Piazza has a You can’t top perfection. It career record of 286-35 in his would be impossible for any 10 years at Keystone. team in 2013 to surpass what However, Keystone wasn’t the Keystone Wildcats the only Lorain County team accomplished in 2012. Not to do big things in 2012. only did they win a Division Elyria made its ninth trip II State Championship with a to the state tournament and 7-2 win over Greenville at its third in four years before Akron’s Firestone Stadium, eventually falling to Lebanon they also won a mythical 3-1 in the Division I state national championship, fin- semifinals. After losing to ishing number one in the Mentor on Opening Day the final MaxPreps Xcellent 25 Pioneers won 26 of their next National Softball Rankings, 27 games, including winning and ended the year with an an eighth consecutive district unblemished 32-0 record. championship. In winning their third state Elyria coach Ken Fenik will championship in school his- be looking to replace two of tory, the Wildcats set the his top hitters from last sea- standard by which every son — Darien Ward who hit future team will be judged. .483 with 20 stolen bases, Keystone shattered the state- who is now playing at record with 45 home runs, Cleveland State and Alanna which according to records Williams, who led the compiled by the National Steve Manheim/The Chronicle-Telegram Pioneers with 41 hits and Federation of State High Elyria’s Caitlyn Minney returns to the rubber! took her talents south to School Associations only 178 batters in 142 innings 11 doubles, five triples and Wright State University, just four teams in the history of pitched with just 15 earned nine home runs. She drove in outside of Dayton. the sport have hit more Fenik, who will be beginning runs and only 17 walks. She 47 runs, stole 13 bases and th round-trippers in a season. finished with a career record finished the year with an on- his 19 season as the Elyria Keystone Kenzie of 66-5. base percentage of .598. coach, will have his top Conrad won National Player Her teammate Erin Pond Pond and Conrad are now pitcher returning the rubber of the Year honors after a won the Lorain County teammates at the University this spring, Caitlyn Minney, senior season in which she Softball Coaches Association of Akron. who compiled a 21-2 record batted .485 with 11 home Player of the Year award after Wildcats manager Jim during her junior season and runs and 44 RBIs. In the a 2012 season in which she Piazza also added to his tro- has already signed a National circle Conrad went hit for a team-high .510 bat- phy case winning the Letter of Intent to play at 25-0 with 14 shutouts and a ting average. Pond also had ESPNHS National Coach of Youngstown State University 0.74 ERA. She struck out See Softball on page 4

Spring 2013 FORECAST Magazine 3 SOFTBALL tion to the host Wildcats – advanced to the Division I Elyria, Columbia, state semifinals in 2012. from page 3 Wellington, Avon, Vermilion Amherst won its fourth next year. Her teammate and North Ridgeville will Southwestern Conference Melanie Woodard also take place in the two-day championship in five seasons accepted a softball scholar- event which will be played in 2012 and has a talented ship from Cleveland State on April 26th – 27th. team again this spring. In University. Elyria will also host its addition to the usual suspects Black River came one win own event – the Elyria in the SWC race, Westlake away from making it a trio of Softball Classic on April 13. and Brecksville, look for the area teams in the state tour- In addition, Lorain County Shoregals to make a run this nament advancing to the will be represented in a series season. regional finals before drop- of showcase events that are Avon Lake returns a trio ping a heartbreaking 1-0 hosted by the Akron Racers of future college players in decision to Warren and played at the site of the Alexis Thomas, a Division I Champion. Pirate pitcher state finals – Firestone recruit headed to Wright Dagmar Smith had a 16-3 Stadium. Firelands and North State, Abby Rogers and Anne record last season despite Ridgeville will take part in Wennerberg, who have missing the second half of the 2013 Spring Showcase already committed to the regular season after suf- the weekend of April 19th – Division III Otterbein and fering a back injury, which 21st. One week later Avon Case Western Reserve was eventually diagnosed as Lake and Clearview will be University respectively, from a cracked vertebra. However, down in Akron for the 5th a 2012 team that nearly Smith returned to the team Annual Racers Rock N Fire Linda Murphy/The Chronicle-Telegram knocked off Elyria in the for the postseason and fin- Showcase. Columbia’s Kailey Division I district tourna- ished the year with 144 strike One tournament that is not Minarchick looks to ment. outs in just 108 innings on the schedule this spring is come back even Midview, led by pitched. the JB Firestone Invitational stronger in the 2013 Cleveland State recruit Kate But that was then and this which is usually hosted by season. Thomas, has won at least a now. What does 2013 have in Black River. Scheduling con- share of the West Shore store for Lorain County’s flicts forced a one-year hiatus one of the area’s top hitters Conference each of the last sandlot heroes? for the event. The Pirates will with a .524 batting average. five seasons and will be near An early test for many still play in the Butch Cook Columbia’s Kailey the top of the standing again local teams comes in the invitational at Smithville Minarchick had a strong this season. Avon and form of the Prebis Memorial High School. freshman season and is Vermilion both hope to chal- Tournament. The event, It should be another excit- expected to share the pitch- lenge for the WSC title as which features 30 teams ing season of conference play ing duties with Christine well. The Sailors have one of from across and as well. The Patriot Athletic Lyzen for the Raiders. the area’s most exciting play- Michigan, is hosted by Conference returns a wealth Alli Rangel will take over ers in centerfielder AuBree Keystone and has grown to of pitching talent. the bulk of the pitching LaForce, A second-team, all- seven fields with games Clearview won its first duties for Wellington, Ohio selection, who led the played both in LaGrange and Stripes Division title in replacing Olivia Wulfhoop. county in stolen bases in Wellington. The Prebis annu- school history last year The Dukes, as well as Black 2012. ally attracts the top teams in behind the pitching of Sara River, are looking to knock There are always many Ohio and this year is no dif- Kaya, who had a record of Keystone off of the top of the question marks going into a ferent, with two defending 18-7 and averaged two strike- Stars Division standings for new season but one thing is state champions, six of the outs per inning pitched. the first time since 2008. certain – there will be plenty 16 state defending regional Firelands senior Samantha Elyria has dominated the of outstanding softball played champions and 10 teams that Dostall, another of the PAC’s Northeast Ohio Conference throughout Lorain County in advanced to the regional top arms, made a name for in recent years, going 10-0 in 2013. Don’t take my word finals in their home state. herself is the district semifi- league play last season, and it for it, go out and check out a There will be seven Lorain nal pitching a should again be a two team game yourself and support County teams taking the shutout, in a 1-0 win over race between the Pioneers some of the best softball field in the Prebis. In addi- Clearview. Dostall was also and Medina, who both players in Ohio. 4 Spring 2013 FORECAST Magazine Spring 2013 FORECAST Magazine 5 2013 LORAIN COUNTY BASEBALL PREVIEW

By: Jim Allen In my 43 years of cover- ing Lorain County High School sports, I cannot recall any sport that has experienced head coaching changes at three of its win- ningest schools from the previous season. But, that’s what has happened in base- ball since last spring. Keystone, Amherst and Midview all have new lead- Linda Murphy/The Chronicle-Telegram ers in the dugout. The Keystone Wildcats were The Middies will be returning tremendous talent in 2013. 21-9 last year, Lorain with Kendle Stiner, who Morris who put together a Fame, has two sure fire County’s only regional had seven doubles last 17 game hitting streak en future members of the elite qualifier in baseball for a spring as well as Pierce route to a .468 batting aver- group on his team in Eric second straight year, and Young. age with a county best 44 Lauer and Cody Callaway. Pac Stars champs for a third Amherst was 19-9 and hits, Griffin Weir, who has Lauer, who will continue consecutive season. Mark shared the SWC crown with been accorded a Division I his career at Kent State Clement has retired after all Avon Lake, Westlake and baseball scholarship to University, struck out a that success. Assistant Brecksville. Eight-year prestigious Stanford, Justin county high 103 batters last coach Bert Fitzgerald has coach Al McConihe has Mott, who hit .367 with 34 spring, with a 1.65 ERA taken over the reins. The been replaced by assistant RBI, and a good pitching and 5-2 record. Lauer also 1987 Keystone grad will Matt Rositano, one of the staff that includes Shawn has power at the plate as have to deal with the losses leading base stealers in Reid. shown by his 5 home runs. of Lorain County’s Mr. Ohio history while starring Midview enjoyed an 18- Callaway, a junior, was 5-1 Baseball, Brandyn Sittinger at Admiral King. Matt is 9 campaign and shared the on the mound and hit .396. and Caleb Schillace, both the nephew of Comet girls West Shore title with Avon. In addition, Steven Frye playing Division I baseball coach John John Justice is now an batted .363 with 28 RBI. now. But, Fitzgerald has Rositano and brother of administrator in the Avon, besides sharing the good talent returning, Lorain High volleyball Brunswick School system Shore crown with Midview, including Marcus Gunter coach Lynne Rositano, both and long time assistant, was the county’s winningest who hit a in the with winning records. Matt 1987 Midview grad Scott team at 24-4 and the high- 8th inning of last May’s welcomes back some Jalowiec has taken over. est ranked in the state, num- regional game against tremendous talent like first- Jalowiec, a member of the ber 5 in Division I. Coach Youngstown Ursuline, along team All-Ohioan Connor Midview Athletic Hall of See Baseball on page 7

6 Spring 2013 FORECAST Magazine BASEBALL Osko, who began his career omore as well as the multi- but, fortunately Vinny and at Elyria Catholic. Osko hit talented David Winkel who the dog were rescued. from page 6 .381 last spring, earning 1st batted .356, with 26 hits, 24 Look for Vinny to make the Frank Desmit is back as are team All-County Division I. runs scored and 15 stolen sports headlines this spring several key players from Lefty Adrian Calez was one bases in addition to being as he has done so often in that outstanding team. Matt of the county’s top one of the area’s top hur- the past with his outstand- Wentz was 8-0 on the artists on the mound. dlers in track. ing hitting. The Sailors mound with 1.37 ERA. Billingsley, Osko and Calez Elyria High finished also have good ones in Wentz did not allow as well as Nate near the .500 mark playing Garrett Koutsopoulos and Amherst a hit in the district Drabiak and pitcher Kyle in a rugged division of the Mitch Peterson and are hop- semifinals until the seventh Stumphauzer showed their NOC. The Pioneers have ing that Nick Dlugosz can inning. Brandon Linna hit team togetherness by play- plenty of talent returning return to his fine pitching a fabulous .481 while ing on St. Anthony’s CYO including Mike Parron who form after missing last sea- Donny Kelly and Austin basketball team this winter. hit .473 with 35 hits and 24 son due to injury. Bevins also had lofty bat- Lorain will be playing its RBI, Mike Izzarelli with a Clearview has one of the ting averages. county’s best in Ryan Vargo Like Avon, a district who hit .419 with four finalist, but in Division II, triples, 21 RBI and a 2.31 Firelands fashioned a 19- ERA on the mound with 40 10 record under Ted Busch. strikeouts. Roger Engle The Falcons will have for a was honorable mention all- fourth year the Division II county as a freshman. County Player of the Year, Brookside has a couple Joe San Felippo, who hit a of underclassmen who also fantastic .537 with 43 hits, won honorable mention 3 home runs, 33 RBI and honors, Matthew Seekins 22 stolen bases. Another and Cameron Drew plus a top returnee is Garrett pitcher who fanned 34, Linda Murphy/The Chronicle-Telegram Monhollen who drove in 26 Greg Maust. runs. Falcon Joe San Felippo is ready to bring it in Wellington’s top veteran Elyria Catholic was 18- his fourth year. is Erik Fehlan who hit .360 10 in Bruce Lisicky’s first with 27 hits, two homers, year as Panther coach. EC home games at the beautiful .376 average, 32 hits, 35 31 RBI and as a pitcher, has Chris Tomshack who Pipe Yard this spring. runs, and 19 stolen bases, fanned 54. Jacob tossed a gem in the district Columbia captured the Dan Ratliff who hit 2 Grimmett had eight dou- semis in a 1-0 loss to even- Pac Stripes championship homers and stole 12 bases, bles. tual champ Keystone, Dan and will have a couple of and Chris Emerson who North Ridgeville junior Whitacre, who blasted 2 juniors who contributed scored 24 runs. Matt Feierabend was 1st home runs and also pitched mightily to the Raiders’ Always respectable team All-County with a well, plus several offensive success. Sean Nagle hit Vermilion will have stand- .375 batting average. standouts, including Joey .371. On the mound, out Vinny Ragnoni back for Oberlin has 3 returnees Begany and Angelo Cruz. Michael Boey was 6-2 with a fourth varsity year. Vinny with impressive stats. Lorain High enjoyed a a 2.05 ERA, 63 strikeouts made the front page of the Matayo Wyman hit .493 17-9 season under Brad and two saves. Chronicle-Telegram this with 33 hits, Tyler Buga Ternes, despite losing star One of the four teams past December. While .462 with 36 hits and Liam hitter Nic Billingsley early that shared the being a Good Samaritan McMillan .384 with 28 hits. in the season with a knee Southwestern Conference trying to rescue a dog that Open Door has a heavy injury. Billingsley, who crown, Avon Lake, brings was stuck in the Vermilion hitter in Jordan Wright with opened the campaign with back Brad Hamilton who River, Vinny fell down a his .438 average last spring. four hits against Midview, hit .360 with 27 hits and 11 40-foot cliff onto the river Leading Lake Ridge will be back for a fourth stolen bases and made 1st bank. It took 90 minutes in should be Jordan Johnson varsity year as will be Ryan team All-County as a soph- freezing weather conditions, and Owen Mullaney. Spring 2013 FORECAST Magazine 7 BATTER UP: A Look at the 2013 Lake Erie Crushers

By: Andy “Bull” Barch In 2007, he joined the Voice of the Crushers organiza- The 2013 season promises tion, managing the Helena to be a lot of things for the Brewers and one year later he Lake Erie Crushers, but if was promoted to the South there is one word that accu- Atlantic League, where he led rately describes what the sea- the West Virginia Power to a son will be like, that word division championship. Over would be different. the next three years with the The differences will be Brewers, he managed the noticeable right away, and on Wisconsin Timber Rattlers the field it starts with a brand (2009-‘10) of the Midwest new manager. After four suc- League, the Brevard County cessful seasons with manager Manatees (2011) of the John Massarelli, the Crushers Florida State League, and last decided to go in another year he went back to the direction with their field gen- Pioneer League to manage at eral. Helena for a second time. On December 19th, the Prior to taking the reigns as Lake Erie Crushers a manager, Isom enjoyed a announced Jeff Isom as their nice playing career. He was second manager in franchise selected by the Pittsburgh history. Isom, no stranger to Pirates in the 18th round of the Independent circuit, hav- the 1993 Major League ing spent seven years as a Baseball draft out of Purdue manger with four different University. Isom spent three teams, has a very impressive seasons (1993-‘95) pitching track record in the Frontier for the Pirates and San Diego League. Padres organizations, before Isom, who spent a year signing with Fargo-Moorhead with the Canton Crocodiles Steve Manheim/The Chronicle-Telegram in the Northern League. Isom (2000), two with the Crushers new manager, Jeff Isom. compiled a career record of Washington Wild Things 28-28, with an ERA of 4.44 (2002-‘03) and one with the 184 record in the Frontier er in the Independent circuit, over seven professional sea- Traverse City Beach Bums League. Altogether in his he owns a career mark of sons. (2006), has an incredible 252- seven year tenure as a manag- 337-291. See CRUSHERS on page 9

8 Spring 2013 FORECAST Magazine CRUSHERS team best, 32 doubles, to go the bullpen, but the Crushers the place to be this summer. along with nine homeruns will return three out of their Weekly promotions will from page 8 and 51 RBI’s. top five leaders in ERA last lead off on May 17th with While many of the players One of the most impactful season – one of those being fireworks. There’s always a on the field will be different, rookies in the entire circuit Matt Smith, who was also spectacular show to be seen there will be a few names on last season, Daniel Bowman, with the Crushers in 2010. after every Friday home the roster, very familiar to is back for his sophomore Last year, he pitched in four game. Super Saturday’s will Crusher fans everywhere. No campaign with the Crushers. games last season, with a feature a giveaway to the first name is more recognizable Bowman burst onto the scene robust, 0.64 ERA over 14 1,000 fans. Just as last year, than Andrew Davis. Davis, in 2012 after an incredible innings of work. Trevor on Saturdays, families can who is Lake Erie’s veteran finish to his collegiate career Longfellow is back after an purchase 4 home box tickets exception, will enter is fifth at Coastal Carolina. The outstanding 2012 season. He and 4 perfect game vouchers season with the Crushers in Lake Erie hit .312 spent time in the rotation, and for $44. 2013. Last year, Davis led on the year, and registered 15 in the bullpen, going 11-2, Two-fer-Tuesday is back as the Crushers with 14 home- extra base hits, and 37 RBI’s with a 3.35 ERA. From July well. Discounts on special runs and 67 RBI’s. He hit in just 54 games. 26th-August 18th, Longfellow concession items will be .277 on the year, and belted While Davis, Bowman and tossed 21 consecutive innings available at Stomper’s Grille out 25 doubles and is still Moldenhauer will be expected without allowing a run. and Eddy’s Eatery and there considered one of the best to lead the charge for the Also back from last year’s will be dollar hot dogs on defensive shortstops and third Crushers offensively, the staff is Mickey Jannis, who Wednesday nights. On basemen in the league. Crushers have a few returnees proved to be one of the best Wednesdays, seniors will be Also back from last year, from the 2012 squad on the relievers for the Crushers able to buy a Home Box tick- will be 1B/DH Russ pitching staff as well. Four down the stretch. Jannis et for $6. Moldenhauer, who was not veterans return from the 2012 made 31 relief appearances Thursdays are still $1 beer only a 2012 pitching staff, and a few other throughout the year. Despite night. College students pre- All Star, but he also won the pieces have been added as a rough start to the season, senting proper ID will be able Homerun Derby competition. well. Jannis still ended the year to purchase a general admis- Moldenhauer was a key cog Fans will certainly miss the with a 2.53 ERA and 46 sion ticket for $2 on in the middle of the lineup likes of Paul Fagan in the strikeouts. The Crushers are Thursdays. last season, hitting .285 with a rotation, and Travis Risser in also bringing back Eric Superhero Night returns on Gonzalez-Diaz. Gonzo had a Saturday, June 1st and we are great 2011 season with the encouraging all fans to dress Crushers, and he tallied 118.1 as their favorite superhero. innings of work last season. Our annual Pack the Park One of the additions to the Pink will reign again this sea- club, is Fostoria, Ohio, native, son. Come out to the ballpark Alex Kaminski. Kaminski on Friday, August 16th to help was acquired in January, for raise money for breast cancer right-handed pitcher Jason research and stick around for Sullivan. Kaminski comes to the Fireworks following. the Crushers after an out- The Kid’s Club is back and standing 2012 season with the bigger than ever this year! Gateway Grizzlies, where he Accompanying the likes of went 10-5, with an ERA of Kids Run the Show and 3.74. Stomper’s Birthday will be The Mid American Pirates and Princesses and a Conference championships special Splash Day! Every will return for a second year Sunday game will be filled in a row at All Pro Freight with many activities for kids Stadium. The four-day event and adults alike. will begin on Wednesday, Opening night is Friday, May 22nd. May 17th, and features a post Off the field, fans are sure game fireworks extravaganza. to be entertained by a bevy of For ticket information, call in game promotions, promo- the Crushers at 440-934- tional nights, and a series of 3636, or visit the Crushers weekly promotions that will website, at make All Pro Freight Stadium www.lakeeriecrushers.com.

Spring 2013 FORECAST Magazine 9 2013 Season Schedule May July

June August/September Spring 2013 FORECAST Magazine 11 12 Spring 2013 FORECAST Magazine For the Love of the Game By: Tim Alcorn that’s what play-by-play guys are supposed to do. But I A few weeks ago, the would guess you can also clocks moved ahead, the days think of a great story they told became longer, and my or just how they held your thoughts moved forward as interest on a warm summer well, to calling softball and night listening to a game in the baseball throughout the spring back yard. A great baseball and summer on WEOL. announcer can keep you Whether it’s on the high engaged in the broadcast, school diamonds, or sitting whether it’s 10-1 in the 3rd, or with Bull Barch calling 2-2 in the 8th. Crusher games in Avon, my So for baseball, I love the announcing duties for the next slower pace of the game. I rel- few months involve balls and ish the opportunity to bring it strikes, home run calls, and down a notch and just have a late inning rallies. Over the conversation with a listener for past several years, I’ve grown a few hours. Sure, I’ll still get to love calling these softball other athletes in any other First and foremost, baseball cranked up for a big rally in and baseball games (almost to sports, but the dugout chants, announcers have to like to talk, the bottom of the ninth to win the same degree as basketball), the infield rituals, and the exu- have a conversation, and be a a game, or a bases clearing and I would like to share with berance displayed throughout friend to the listener. That triple, but I also love the you why the two games have the game make for an enter- may sound very simplistic and opportunity to share some sto- developed such a hold on me. taining atmosphere. I love obvious, but it is so much easi- ries with listeners either about Starting with softball, to being around the game, and er said than done. Think of the game or wherever the con- paraphrase a slogan the NBA with the incredible level of tal- politics when pundits describe versation may go. I know Bull used to use, “I LOVE calling ent displayed in this area year the “likability” factor of a can- Barch and I have had some this game”. Perhaps it’s after year, I would urge you to didate. Would you want to sit great discussions the past cou- because of the sheer high level check out some games and have a burger with that ple of years about a myriad of of play that I have been hon- throughout the season. You person or a conversation on topics on the air. Some base- ored to witness over the years won’t be disappointed. your porch? Are they gen- ball related, some not. But in Lorain County, or just the To be an outstanding base- uine? Baseball announcers are that’s the beauty of the sport. It way the games seem to unfold, ball announcer, is probably the same. Baseball has so allows you as a broadcaster to but I love calling softball. It every play-by-play man’s goal. much down time in between do that. I recall a great come- has a pace that is so unique to When you think of great pitches, batters etc. that broad- dy bit by the late George the game, yet in a sense, it is sports play-by-play men over casters have to have that con- Carlin, where he talked about similar to basketball. The the years, more often than not, tinual conversation with the the leisurely aspect of baseball action moves quickly, the you think of baseball announc- listener. I love the opportunity which was hilarious and yet so games tend to be very cleanly ers... they just roll off the to do that. Maybe I’m just a true. Baseball does not have a played, and usually wind up tongue; Harry Caray, Ernie “talker” or story teller at heart, final gun or buzzer or timed close at the end. That’s a play- Harwell, Jack Buck, Vin but I genuinely enjoy that quarters. It moves at its’ own by-play man’s dream. While Scully (and of course, Tom aspect of calling a baseball pace and just takes you along the moving of the pitching Hamilton is in a select group game. It’s certainly the inverse with it. As an announcer, I rubber back three feet has had of great broadcasters as well). of softball. Baseball is more want you to go along with it the desired effect of adding They are institutions in the (not always) leisurely, and with me. I would love for you more offense to the game, world of broadcasting. But to slower paced, which lends to sit there with me, enjoy the overall, most contests are still be a great baseball announcer, itself to a much different tone game, share some stories, and somewhat low scoring, which you have to have a unique set than a football, basketball or take pleasure in the broadcast. always adds drama to a broad- of talents that set you apart softball broadcast. Think of So let’s get ready for some cast. I also love the “fun” from the other sports. It’s the great announcers I listed softball and baseball this sum- aspect of high school softball. what makes baseball so chal- above (or maybe your mer. I love calling those Make no mistake, the girls lenging from a broadcasting favorite). They have all had games, more than I ever who play are as fiercely com- perspective, but also so much monumental calls of great thought I would. I hope you petitive and locked in as any fun to call. plays or moments, obviously, enjoy listening to them as well. Spring 2013 FORECAST Magazine 13 The Changing Tribe By: Jim Rosenhaus 1990’s, Alomar instilled a Play-by-Play Announcer fresh outlook on the team. Creating hope and excite- While he wasn’t a lock to ment in professional sports become the next manager of can be a challenging and, at the Tribe for 2013, it would times, daunting task. When a take something unexpected franchise is caught in a down for it not to happen. The period, with a string of losing unexpected came in the form seasons, the obstacles of . The 2- become greater. The 2013 time World Series winning Cleveland Indians have bro- manager of the Boston Red ken down those barriers and Sox was just finishing a year created a team that has of television work with brought uncommon anticipa- ESPN after being let go by tion to a fan base that had Boston following the 2011 grown weary. How did it season. The two questions happen? The following is a regarding the “Francona to look at a 5 month period in the Indians” speculation time that has Northeast Ohio were, would he want to man- baseball fans as excited for a age again and would he want new season as they have been to manage the Indians. in quite some time. The answers came when The change truly began in Terry Francona was late September of last season. announced as the 42nd man- The Indians were tumbling ager of the Cleveland Indians towards a fourth consecutive on October 8th, 2012. Why losing season. Early season Cleveland? promise had been shattered “I am here for two rea- on the heels of an 11 game sons,” said Francona that day. losing streak that dovetailed “Mark Shapiro and Chris into an August in which the Antonetti. I met Mark at the Indians went 5-24, the worst Terry Francona 1999 Winter Meetings. That month in the 113 year history meeting led to a relationship of the franchise. On tom. and seeds of change were that is going on 12 years September 27th, manager Bench coach Sandy planted. One of the most now. When I was let go by Manny Acta was fired. The Alomar Jr. replaced Acta for popular players from the the Phillies in 2000, Mark Tribe had reached rock bot- the season’s final 6 games Indians glory days of the See INDIANS on page 15

14 Spring 2013 FORECAST Magazine INDIANS Francona. “You have to be truthful with them and even- from page 14 tually you are probably going reached out to me and I to have to deliver news that ended up as Special Assistant they don’t want to hear. It’s a to Baseball Operations. It whole lot easier to do that if was there that I met Chris. you’ve developed a level of We’ve kept in touch over the trust and respect with them.” years and I value not only In addition to getting to their friendship but their know his players, the new leadership as well. I’m gen- Tribe manager was assisting uinely excited to tackle the General Manager Chris challenges ahead of us as a Antonetti and his staff in unit.” reshaping and improving the Francona was adamant Tribe roster. In 2012, the that the Indians managerial Indians fielded a lineup that job was the only one he was filled primarily with left would have left ESPN for. handed hitters, a lineup that Add in the historical perspec- had gaping holes in the out- tive, with Terry’s dad Tito field and at first base. The having spent his best years as result was a team that scored a player with the Tribe from the 2nd fewest runs in the 1959 to 1964 and Terry’s . Combine youth being spent in that with a pitching staff that Cleveland and it truly is a finished the season with the great fit. league’s highest ERA and it’s It didn’t take long for the easy to see why the Tribe new Tribe skipper to go to staggered to a 68-94 record. work. His boundless energy The first major offseason and focus on communication move to address roster needs saw him burn up the phone was a whopping 3 team trade lines in reaching out to every in December that saw the current player on the Tribe Indians move popular out- roster. In many cases, per- fielder Shin Soo Choo to the Michael Bourn sonal player visits took him . In return, along with young pitcher Swisher. One of only 4 play- to all corners of the United the Tribe received speedy States and beyond. , regarded by ers in baseball to hit at least outfielder from many experts as one of the 20 home runs the past eight “It’s so important to know the Reds and relief pitchers your players personally,” said top pitching prospects in the seasons, Swisher also pro- and , game today. vides an energy and enthusi- Coupled with the acquisi- asm for the game that may be tion of super utility man unequalled. The signing Mike Aviles and catcher Yan became official shortly Gomes in a trade with before the New Year and the Toronto, plus the signing of former Ohio State first base- righthanded slugger Mark man didn’t hold back in his Reynolds, the addressing of happiness for his new team specific needs was off to a and town. good start. However, the best “I never thought was yet to come. Cleveland would be in the Looking for a consistent, mix when this free agent established run producer, the process started,” said the Tribe front office targeted player his teammates refer to free agent outfielder Nick See INDIANS on page 16

Spring 2013 FORECAST Magazine 15 INDIANS season moves has been felt at the box office for the from page 15 Indians. The day the Bourn as “Swish”. “The way the signing was announced, sea- Indians rolled out the red car- son ticket sales for one day pet for myself and my family surpassed the normal amount was amazing. We’ve already for one month in past off sea- been out there house hunting sons. When single game and are looking to get tickets were put on sale in involved in the community. late February, the Home Add in the way this organiza- Opener sold out in 6 minutes. tion is run and the things While so much emphasis they are looking to do in the was centered on acquisitions future, I couldn’t be happier.” in the offseason, the youthful Team Antonetti and composition of the Tribe ros- Francona and the staff did ter can often be overlooked. not rest with the signing of Catcher Carlos Santana, sec- Swisher. Pitcher Brett Myers ond baseman , was signed as a free agent to third baseman Lonnie bolster the starting rotation. Chisenhall and outfielder Various veteran players were are all signed to minor league con- regarded as outstanding tracts, with invitations to young players nearing the major league . prime of their major league The likes of longtime slugger careers. Mix in a bullpen Jason Giambi, along with anchored by closer Chris pitchers Scott Kazmir and Perez and set up man Vinnie all have Pestano and you have the a chance to be contributors to makings of a solid ballclub. Nick Swisher the 2013 Indians. One of the question But the best was yet to marks from a year ago is the come. With spring training starting rotation. The hope already underway, there was is for Justin Masterson and still an intriguing outfielder Ubaldo Jimenez to return to on the free agent board. past form. The addition of Michael Bourn had played Brett Myers will help and out his contract with Atlanta Zach McAllister’s continued in 2012. The Indians were development will be fun to attracted to his speed, leadoff watch. The fifth spot is capabilities for the batting seemingly up for grabs order and superlative defense between Scott Kazmir, in centerfield. On February Daisuke Matsuzaka, Corey th 15 he was signed to a four Kluber, Trevor Bauer and year contract. Carlos Carrasco who is on We feel we’ve added one his way back from Tommy of the best center fielders in John surgery. baseball,” Antonetti said. On the whole, the “He’s a dynamic player, an Cleveland Indians have been exceptional defender in cen- one of the most interesting ter field and can really teams to follow throughout impact the game on the the offseason leading up to bases. His accomplishments the new season and will cer- speak for themselves.” tainly be a team watch in The result of all the off- 2013. Jason Kipnis 16 Spring 2013 FORECAST Magazine

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