CLEVELAND — Downtown Cleveland buzzed with Guardians fans who came to root for their team during the first round of the playoffs.
Many of the fans have long emotional connections to the team.
Cathy Arnett and her sisters grew up going to Guardians games with their mother. Now Arnett lives in California, but she never lost any love for the Guardians.
“My mom and I used to have season tickets, but she died on the 20th, so we brought her with us today,” Arnett said.
A homecoming trip for her mother’s funeral turned into a chance to get together with her sisters and all attend a game in their mother’s honor.
For many Clevelanders, baseball is woven into their lives.
“They help our pride in Cleveland, I mean it’s amazing that we are such a small market, and this team has done so incredibly well over the years — we’re almost spoiled at this point,” said Kris Treu, there with his daughter, Britta Treu.
The family has been Guardians fans for decades, choosing to go to watch the first game of the series on a special day.
“Today’s my birthday, actually, and there’s no better way to spend my birthday,” Britta said.
Fans are seeking a deep playoff run. Fan John Newman said the guardians will go “all the way. No doubt. No doubt. They’re hot right at the perfect time.”
The energy at game one was high, with the Guardians being cheered on by fans who were able to be there and those that weren’t.
“We got tickets so we can celebrate mom today, so we feel like she’s rooting for them, she’s cheering for them and yes, we’re gonna win,” Arnett said.
Game 2 will be back here in Cleveland on Monday, Oct. 5, at 5 p.m.