Steven Shands has worked as a vendor at Progressive Field since it opened 30 years ago (as Jacobs Field). The Guardians “can win this today,” he said, “and hopefully win the World Series.”
Steven Shands has worked as a vendor at Progressive Field since it opened 30 years ago (as Jacobs Field). The Guardians “can win this today,” he said, “and hopefully win the World Series.” Credit: Mary Ellen Huesken

Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland was abuzz Saturday when the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of the American League Division Series.

Major League Baseball said 33,548 fans attended the 1:08 p.m. game.

Hundreds more people worked during the event, checking tickets, serving food, sweeping debris and cleaning restrooms.

No strangers to post-season play, the Cleveland Guardians last made the playoffs in 2022.
No strangers to post-season play, the Cleveland Guardians last made the playoffs in 2022. This year the Guardians finished their season with 92 wins. Credit: Mary Ellen Huesken / Signal Cleveland

Sharing in the playoff excitement

At the Pierre’s ice cream stand on Progressive Field’s first level, workers associated with Life Change, a recovery and addiction support organization, said they were excited to be part of the action.

“I’m pretty confident they are going to win,” said Sylvana Somoano, an East Cleveland resident. 

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Sylvana Somoano of East Cleveland and Clemons Porter of Cleveland serve ice cream treats to fans at Progressive Field Saturday during Game 1 of the American League Division Series. They cannot see games live while they are working, but they hear the crowd and have a good view of the TV monitors in the ballpark’s concourse.
Sylvana Somoano of East Cleveland and Clemons Porter of Cleveland serve ice cream treats to fans at Progressive Field Saturday during Game 1 of the American League Division Series. They cannot see games live while they are working, but they hear the crowd and have a good view of the TV monitors in the ballpark’s concourse. Credit: Mary Ellen Huesken / Signal Cleveland

Her co-worker, Clemons Porter of Cleveland, shared her enthusiasm.

“Ask me how many games I have worked this season?” he said proudly. “Eighty out of 82!”

Steven Shands was similarly pleased that the Guardians made it to the post-season. “They can win this today,” Shands said, “and hopefully win the World Series.”

Cleveland Guardians defeated the Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of the American League Division Series
Cleveland Guardians defeated the Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of the American League Division Series Credit: Mary Ellen Huesken / Signal Cleveland

He said he has worked as a vendor at Progressive Field since it opened 30 years ago, when it was called Jacobs Field. On Saturday he was stationed outside the Home Plate Club on the main level selling beer, seltzer and other beverages.

“I love it,” the Cleveland resident said. “It’s a great ballpark. And I’m hoping for more games this season.”

After the Guardians beat the Tigers 7-0 and the crowd began to disperse, fans of second baseman Andrés Gimenez celebrated the win by staying in their seats and waving a large flag from Gimenez’s home country, Venezuela. 

Before Saturday's playoff game, the Guardians introduced the starting lineup along with players who had played for the Guards in Cleveland during the season. The team also honored scouting and player development officials along with nutritionists, trainers and other key support staff. A C-130 Hercules from the Youngstown Air Reserve Station did a flyover before the game began.
Before Saturday’s playoff game, the Guardians introduced the starting lineup along with players who had played for the Guards in Cleveland during the season. The team also honored scouting and player development officials along with nutritionists, trainers and other key support staff. A C-130 Hercules from the Youngstown Air Reserve Station did a flyover before the game began. Credit: Mary Ellen Huesken / Signal Cleveland

Celebrating a Guardians win

About an hour after the game ended, a large group of fans was celebrating both inside and outside of The Clevelander Bar & Grill at Huron Road and East 9th Street. A security guard, who did not give his name, said that while The Clevelander often draws large crowds after games, this late-Saturday-afternoon crowd was a nice boost to business.

On Monday, The Guardians lost 3-0 to the Tigers in Game 2 of the American League Division Series. Game 3 of the best-of-five series is at 3:08 p.m. on Wednesday at Comerica Park in Detroit. Game 4 would also be held in Detroit. If necessary, the Guardians will be back at Progressive Field for Game 5 on Saturday. And the people who work at Progressive Field? They will be right there with the team, ready to get to work.

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