So I've only been to Cleveland one time, but for some reason I am in pseudo-love with the city. I really know nothing about it. What I remember from my trip: I went to a good museum, ate a good bagel and maybe went to a health food store to buy tampons? This I do know: any city with an area called 'The Flats' is interesting.
And now, there's an eerie baseball story (no pun intended) to make it even more appealing.
Apparently there was a shortstop, Ray Chapman, who was killed when he got hit in the head by a pitch back in 1920. Also apparently, a big bronze memorial plaque had been made in his honor awhile back, but it had been misplaced during the team's move from Municipal Stadium in 1994. I'm not sure how one misplaces such things, but it was rediscovered at the beginning of this season and was put on display.
The reappearance of this plaque (and Chapman's 'spirit') is said to have triggered a series of freak events that have led to the Indians' landing in the division series, not least of which was when millions of small bugs distracted the Yankees' relief pitcher making him throw two wild pitches that led to the Indians' victory in game two.
Ah, baseball... The article is pretty amusing.
This is also a great time of year to read Ken Kalfus' The Joy and Melancholy Baseball Trivia Quiz, one of my most favorite stories ever. They read it on Selected Shorts a few years ago and have recently replayed it. Too bad you can't listen to episodes online for free... but you can purchase this cool baseball collection from Audible.
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