OT: Jacobs field player contact question

Submitted by Wolverman on

 I'm going to be in Ohio this month and I'm taking my Dad , son and a few other family members to the Indians vs. Pirates game on june 17th. It's been about 11 -12 years since I been to a home game of the Indians and I was wondering whats the best time
(if any) to show for possible autographs and such.

 I just want to maximize the experience as much as I can to build a good memory for my son and my Dad. I plan on coming pretty early because the first 15k people get a free jersey and I figured that would be a good start. Any information is extremely appreciated , Thanks.

The Baughz

June 2nd, 2012 at 10:02 AM ^

Well its not Jacobs field anymore. I believe its Progressive field now. The Indians are amongst the leaders in lowest attendance, so if you go early, you should have no problem getting the jersey and autographs.

Wolverman

June 2nd, 2012 at 10:41 AM ^

lol it's a habit for me. Once you are used to referring to a stadium by a name it doesn't matter how much they pay to change the name. I still call Candlestick park by it's old name too.

 The Indians are a little different tho, I like Richard Jacobs as an owner, Larry Dolan..... not so much

Philbert

June 2nd, 2012 at 10:08 AM ^

Well as a tribe fan and someone who regularly goes to the games. The best time for autos is during bp. Which depending on the day is usually 2 hours before b4 but I haven't gone to bp since the 07 run. This years tribe is probably some of the nicest and coolest guys I've seen. (I played in a tournament at progressive and the players had an off day and actually showed up and talked to a bunch of us playing in it) I'm fairly confident they would sign for you. Being one of the first 15k shouldn't be a problem with the attendance # right now.

Wolverman

June 2nd, 2012 at 10:55 AM ^

 Thanks, being in Arizona I don't get the oppertunity to do things like this with my family to often. My Dad is getting older and really want this to be something my kids remember. We go to games out here pretty often so I want this one to stand out in their minds

mgoblueben

June 2nd, 2012 at 10:48 AM ^

Despite what Chris Perez might say, the Indians fans and players are like no other.  I might be biased having been a kid in the 90's when there wasnt a hotter team than Cleveland year in and year out.  But my dad took me to batting practice every game.  The players were so nice except for Albert Bell of course.  But let me tell you, I encountered Jim Thome, Robby and Sandy Alomar, Omar Vizquel, Kenny Lofton, etc. on a number of occasions.  To my surprise they were so excited to make a kid smile when given the chance.  Go to the indians side line immediately AFTER batting practice.  There are a lot of young guys on the team these days and will be more willing to sign autographs.  Also, hit up the visitors bullpen in right field.  The visitors also tend to be very nice guys.  The tigers bullpen used to sit up there and give me a pack of seeds when we sat there in the 90's.  And it's always going to be Jacob's Field. 

pdgoblue25

June 2nd, 2012 at 11:21 AM ^

There are two garages on both sides of the street, once of which is the big white PNC building.  All you have to do is walk 3 blocks to get to the stadium.

Urban Warfare

June 2nd, 2012 at 12:43 PM ^

I always park at the RTA station in Brook Park and take the train to the stadium.  It's cheaper than driving in, and you don't have to worry about the pain-in-the-ass traffic jams on the inner belt.  Not sure where this guy is coming from, but I'd recommend he not try to drive into downtown Cleveland if he's trying to get there at 5/5:30.

Wolverman

June 2nd, 2012 at 2:02 PM ^

 the games sunday the 17th so shouldn't have to worry about rush hour traffic. We're driving up from Columbus or Bucyrus, depends if i'm my Moms or Dads house

ChopBlock

June 2nd, 2012 at 3:17 PM ^

You'll save yourself a lot of grief parking (even though parking's only about 10 bucks right next door to the stadium), and it's fun, especially for the kids. They'll love watching trains on the old Nickle Plate line, and it's cheaper too. I highly recommend it. Also, stop at Malley's for an ice cream sundae with the kids. 

Wolverman

June 2nd, 2012 at 1:59 PM ^

 Once again thanks to everyone who posted, all the information will come in handy and is extremely appreciated. Lol now i get the fun of buying 15 tickets that are close by eachother.

Witz57

June 2nd, 2012 at 2:02 PM ^

This is not a sure bet, but when I was a kid I'd get to the stadium right when the gates opened and run to the dugout. You want to stand right as close to the dugout and field as possible and be on the side of the dugout that has the door players take to and from the club house. Have your kid have sharpie and thing to be signed ready to go and make sure he lays on the politeness "Mr. Fielder, may I please have your autograph?"



There will probably be a lot of people who try to cut in front, so if he can grab a rail or at least stand his ground it's helpful.



Depending on the opposing team, there may be fewer autograph seekers in front of their dugout (bullpens are also an option).



I didn't get to go to a ton of games when I was a kid but I got quite a few autographs. The keys are really just being prepared, polite, early, and standing your ground.



If he strikes out it sometimes helps to explain that the guys are at their job and have to use a lot of that time to prepare to work.

Bigasshammm

June 2nd, 2012 at 2:09 PM ^

Another nice thing to do instead of autographs is to hang out in right field and shag home run balls during bp. Plus some of the players may toss a ball or two into the stands. I even saw Randy Johnson playing catch with a young boy a long time ago. Was a cool thing to see from such a huge star at the time.

ChopBlock

June 2nd, 2012 at 3:21 PM ^

The gates didn't open last week until well after the Tribe was done with BP; the visitors always take BP afterward. I'm not really sure where you would go to get autographs of the players, although there's always a few pitchers mulling around the bullpen area in center field after the gates open. You might try that.

Honestly, the best time to get autographs is when your team is playing away, because then they're taking BP when you're actually there. And don't worry about getting tickets together. Just buy the cheapest seats you can find and then move after the bottom of the first. The ushers don't care or catch on as long as you look like you know where you're going.

Wolverman

June 3rd, 2012 at 3:23 AM ^

 Man when I lived in Ohio, we where in the tail end of the longest sold out home streak in baseball. It's going to be sad seeing The Jake with a ton of empty seats. Thanks for the advice

Maize31Blue

June 3rd, 2012 at 11:20 AM ^

If you get there early enough you can also stand outside the players parking lot and get a few autographs.  There are normally a few people there waiting.  Enjoy and GO TRIBE!!

manchild56

June 3rd, 2012 at 11:42 AM ^

He was telling me how J. Damon signed his sons bat and shirt. He also was able to get a few pictures with him and his son with Damon, Kipnis, Lonnie, and few others. H e was telling me after the game he just waited where all the cars for the players are parked. The clubhouse doors open right to this section. If you need exact info just reply and I will get you section, street, and whatever other tricks may help you.

Wolverman

June 4th, 2012 at 5:15 AM ^

Thanks that could work. Going to try and mold my son into an Indians fan. It backfired on me when I tried to make him a Michigan fan. He like Notre Dame because of their mascot..... he's 8 tho and I got time. Not that if he went to Notre Dame I'd be dissapointed.

 I'll give the parking lot a try if all else fails. It mainly would depend on how my Dad feels after the game tho. He's not critically ill or anything, he's just old lol.