CLEVELAND — After the Cleveland Guardians, a team of young players, unexpectedly won the AL Central Division and took the Yankees to Game 5 of the ALDS, fans are now hoping this year’s team can end the organization’s 75-year drought without winning a World Series.
What You Need To Know
- The Cleveland Guardians hosted Guards Fest on Saturday
- Fans got a chance to meet players and play games
- The team said nearly 10,000 fans attended
Many, like the Sabol family, broke out their jerseys to show their support for the team at Guards Fest at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland on Saturday.
“We’ve been fans for a long time,” Todd Sabol said. “Going back with my dad, grandpa, it’s been kind of a family affair for a long time for all of us. So now we’re trying to get our daughter involved, since she’s just turned one.”
The Sabols and thousands of other fans had the chance to meet players, play fun games, eat food and get hyped for the season.
“This is our first time and it’s really exciting getting to see all the players,” Sabol said.
Guardians assistant communications director Austin Controulis estimated nearly 10,000 fans attended the festivities.
“I think the great thing about Guards Fest, and having a fan fest event like this, is we get to celebrate baseball in the dead of winter,” Controulis said. “So, it’s 30 degrees outside right now. It snowed yesterday, but you know, baseball is truly right around the corner.”
As season-ticket holders, the Sabol family said they’ll be going to as many games as possible, and they have high hopes for the team this year.
“A World Series,” Sabol said.
Spring training starts next month and the Guardians’ Opening Day game is scheduled for March 30 in Seattle.
