Gloves — check. Hats — check. Jerseys — check. Baseball pants? Check.
My family is ready for the game. My sons Noel, 8, and Anton, 6, are excited to see the Cleveland Indians game at Progressive Field. They also are anticipating a trip to the newly renovated Kids Clubhouse on the mezzanine level.
Joel Hammond, spokesman for the Cleveland Indians, says after the Clubhouse opened in 2012, the sports organization began the process of exploring what could be improved at the ballpark. “We added more games and concessions,” Hammond says of the Kids Clubhouse.
The goal was to help kids engage with the current (or past) player roster.
This interaction is seen throughout the new digital features of the Kids Clubhouse and Family Deck. For example, Anton was excited to hear what Indians catcher Yan Gomes had in his locker and learn about Jason Kipnis’ love of the Chicago Blackhawks
on the large touch screen in the Clubhouse’s interactive locker room.
It also provides kids an opportunity to see and feel different eras of baseball history. Noel, who hopes to do the play-by-play for teams, like the Indians’ Tom Hamilton, loved the Broadcast Booth and tried to call the two-run homer made by former Indians player Jason Giambi in the 9th inning in 2013. The experience is saved as the audio action is recorded and then sent to our email address.
Kids also can match their baseball stance with players such as Michael Brantley or can strike out players in the K-Zone Pitching Simulator. Walking into the indoor area of the clubhouse, there’s a two-story baseball bat slide. Also, kids can enjoy the craft and activities tables from the University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s sponsored area. The carpeted floor was also crowded with toddlers having fun playing on the brightly colored Step2 equipment. There’s also a Little League Park from Key Bank, where kids of all ages can hit wiffle balls, take a turn at the batting cages and more.
The open deck also provides a great way for parents to appreciate the great views of the game in session while watching their children play.
“We did this to provide a better experience for the young fans and their families,” Hammond says.
For more info about the Kids Clubhouse and upcoming game schedule at cleveland.indians.mlb.com
