End of an Era: Jacobs Field to Become Progressive Field

It's October 3rd, 1995.

The Indians are battling the Red Sox in their first postseason game in 41 years. 

There are two outs in the bottom of the 13th inning, in what has become the longest postseason game in history, and backup catcher Tony Pena is at the plate facing Zane Smith. 

As fast as the words “Tony Pena...Tony Pena...sends everybody home” can roll off of Bob Costas’ tongue, the first unforgettable moment at Jacobs Field has occurred. 

Smith's pitch sails into the bleachers in left field for a 5-4 win. The Indians would go on to sweep the Sox, and eventually advance on to their first World Series since 1954.

Jacobs Field—aka “The Jake” to loyal Indians followers—has become a shrine for these kind of memories over the past 14 years.  It has housed the largest comeback in baseball history, countless other improbable victoties, an record 455 straight sellouts, seven playoff appearances, two World Series, and an All-Star game, in which hometown hero Sandy Alomar was named MVP. 

Included in all these memories are numerous players that have won the city over with their hard work, and dedication to bringing championship-caliber baseball to the fans of Cleveland.

On January 11th, the Cleveland Indians made an announcement. The home of the Indians would have a new identity.  Progressive Field will now be the name of the facility on the corner of Carnegie and Ontario. 

For many fans, this change is a tough pill to swallow.  I even knew it was coming, but still, it is tough to resign Jacobs Field to history.  I've vowed to still call it “The Jake,” because it is where I truly have come to love and appreciate the game of baseball, and I don’t want to lose those attachments. It is almost like a loved one changing their name.

Baseball fans make a stronger connection to their team's facilities than in any other sport.  Did Clevelanders fuss when Gund Arena became a one-letter facility, “The Q”?  Of course not. 

But the stadia in baseball are uniquely designed, and add an irreplaceable element to the fans' experience. You feel more relaxed as you sip your beer and argue about the who’s the better hitter, should they hit and run, and so forth. 

Especially in the case of Jacobs Field.

The Jake opened its gates as Art Modell was moving our beloved football team to Baltimore.  The Indians and Jacobs Field were there to take those fans in, and injected a rebirth of excitement in the city that had not been felt in years.  A sense of community was built around the team, and people felt they had to be at the ballpark, to see the amazing plays that Omar Vizquel would make or the home runs Manny Ramirez would hit. 

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