Omar Vizquel returns to Cleveland: Pregame activities

Once upon a time….

 

A shortstop that danced his way around tough plays and got his hands dirty even though he had a glove patrolled the infield of then Jacobs Field.

Omar Vizquel made his return to Cleveland in grand style as he used his grace and skill to dazzle the Cleveland fans that welcomed the star back.
29,024 roaring fans welcomed Omar into the batters box. The shortstop admitted that he did not want to get the same treatment as former teammates Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome, and he didn’t. A moving video congratulated Vizquel on playing the most games at shortstop in the history of Baseball, and showed many gracious plays and smiles that he has blessed this city with. The 41 year old could be seen choking back tears, and lit up the ballpark with his contagious smile and demeanor.

Vizquel needed four years to make his return to Cleveland as the San Francisco Giants played the Indians for the first time in interleague play on Tuesday night at Progressive Field. He delivered a clutch sacrifice bunt in the top of the 9th inning to score Rich Aurillia from third base. Indians third baseman Casey Blake tried to barehand the ball but could not throw Vizquel out at first.

Omar’s frustration at the plate could be seen during Tuesday’s game, the .170 average loomed over his vibrant smile. A visible knee brace also reminded Omar that at 41 years old, you won’t be able to get to every ground ball. Vizquel showed his range by doing what he does best, play defense. This is what Tribe fans came to see, Vizquel at his finest, smiling and enjoying the game of baseball just as he always did. Unfortunately, Vizquel’s dazzle came in the bottom of the ninth inning and prevented a game tying run from scoring.

Many say that there will never be another shortstop that played the position with such confidence, skill, and style as Omar did. The 41 year old needs 400 hits to reach the pinnacle of 3,000 career hits. His major league leading games played at shortstop along with his love for the game will help him become a first ballot hall of fame inductee. The question is what jersey the showman will wear. The MLB Hall of Fame makes that decision for the players, so the answer is unknown.

The 11 seasons spent with the Indians, along with all the accomplishments playing alongside sidekicks Roberto Alomar and Carlos Baerga make Cleveland fans believe that Omar will don a Tribe hat.

(click photo to enlarge)

  • Indians VP of Public Relations (and LHS Alumni) Bob DiBiasio, former Indians second baseman Duane Kuiper, the voice of the Indians Tom Hamilton and Indians host Matt Underwood pose for a photo as they wait the arrival of Omar Vizquel.
  • Greeting everyone with a gracious hug and smile, Omar and Bob DiBiasio meet for the first time in four years.
  • Vizquel is pictured joking around with Indians staff members who watched the star take fielding practice.
  • Fans and media swarmed Omar Vizquel as he signed autographs for loyal fans.
  • Omar Vizquel laughs and holds back tears as he watches a tribute video before Tuesday's game against the Indians.
  • Vizquel thanks the fans for a warm welcome and the organization for a moving tribute.
  • Before the first pitch, Omar Vizquel takes in one of two standing ovations from 29,024 fans. The star would receive cheers every time he walked into the batters box.
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