[Nick Soulis]

Series #225



2000 Cleveland Indians
Record: 90-72
Finish: 2nd in AL Central
Manager: Charlie Manuel
Ball Park: Jacobs Field
WAR Leader: Roberto Alomar (5.6)
Franchise Record: 10-8
2000 Season Record: 1-3
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2000.shtml

1988 Texas Rangers
Record: 70-91
Finish: 6th in AL West
Manager: Bobby Valentine
Ball Park: Arlington Stadium
WAR Leader: Steve Buechele (4.3)
Franchise Record: 4-3
1988 Season Record: 1-1
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TEX/1988.shtml
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Heaven’s Dugout: Series #225 Preview



Location: Jacobs Field, Cleveland, OH
Matchup: 2000 Cleveland Indians vs. 1988 Texas Rangers
Format: Best-of-Seven, Field of Dreams Tournament

Host: Mel Allen
Panelists: Peter Gammons, Frank Thomas, and Hawk Harrelson

Opening Scene

The camera pans across Jacobs Field under a crisp autumn evening sky. Fans in vintage Tribe and Rangers gear file into the stands, buzz already filling the stadium. The golden infield dirt gleams under the lights, and a large Series #225 banner hangs in center field. The Heaven’s Dugout crew sits at a desk perched just above the first-base dugout.

Mel Allen:
“Hello there everybody, and welcome to Heaven’s Dugout! We’re on site at Jacobs Field, and oh my, the energy is electric as we kick off Series #225. It’s the 2000 Cleveland Indians and the 1988 Texas Rangers, two franchises with power, pride, and something to prove. Peter, Frank, Hawk—let’s dive into this one.”

Team Breakdowns

Peter Gammons:
“This Indians team has thunder throughout the lineup—Manny Ramírez, Jim Thome, Roberto Alomar—they can turn a game with one swing. The pitching isn’t as deep as some clubs in this tournament, but Bartolo Colón and Chuck Finley give them a fighting chance. Cleveland’s key is whether that offense can overwhelm the Rangers before Texas exploits the back end of their rotation.”

Frank Thomas:
“And don’t sleep on Texas. Rafael Palmeiro is coming off one of his better power years in ’88, and Rubén Sierra gives them a dangerous young bat from both sides. Nolan Ryan’s not here yet, but Charlie Hough with that knuckleball could frustrate Cleveland’s power bats if he gets it dancing in this fall air.”

Hawk Harrelson:
“Yessir! And let me tell ya somethin’—momentum’s gonna be big in this series. The Indians have the crowd, and Jacobs Field is no easy place to play when it gets loud. But if the Rangers steal one here early, hoo boy, Cleveland’s gonna feel that pressure real quick. Don’t kid yourself, Texas can mash too. They’ll play cowboy baseball, grip it and rip it.”

Key Storylines

Mel Allen:
“So gentlemen, what storylines should the fans look out for?”

Peter Gammons:
“For me, it’s Manny Ramírez. He’s entering his prime and could absolutely dominate this series. If he gets on a tear, Cleveland wins in five.”

Frank Thomas:
“I’m watching Jim Thome. Big left-handed bat, perfect for this park. But he’ll have to stay disciplined against Texas’ mix-and-match pitching staff. On the Rangers’ side, Sierra’s speed and power could tilt a close game.”

Hawk Harrelson:
“Hey, I’ll say this—watch Charlie Hough. That knuckler could give Thome and Manny fits. If he wins one of his starts, this thing could swing the Rangers’ way fast. He’s the X-factor.”

Predictions

Mel Allen:
“Time for predictions, fellas. How do you see it shaking out?”

Peter Gammons:
“Indians in six. Too much firepower in that lineup.”

Frank Thomas:
“I’ll go bold—Indians in five. Thome and Manny will slug their way past Texas.”

Hawk Harrelson:
“I’m goin’ contrarian—Rangers in seven. If the knuckleball dances and the bats keep up, don’t be shocked if Texas rides outta here with an upset.”

Closing Thoughts

The crowd roars as both teams take batting practice behind the panel, Thome launching balls deep into the bleachers while Sierra shows off his whip-quick swing.

Mel Allen:
“Well there you have it—Series #225 is ready to roll. Two proud franchises, one golden ticket to advance. Stay tuned as Game 1 gets underway right here at Jacobs Field. This has been Heaven’s Dugout, and folks, it’s going to be a dandy.”
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Broadcast team for the series:
Jack Buck and John Smoltz



Camera sweeps across a crisp fall evening in Cleveland. The upper deck is buzzing, fans waving rally towels in red and navy as the lights glow over the field. The golden “Field of Dreams – Series #225” banner stretches across the outfield wall. Jack Buck’s voice cuts in over the roar.

Jack Buck:
“Good evening, baseball fans, and welcome to Jacobs Field in Cleveland, Ohio. It’s a brisk October night, the stage is set, and the Field of Dreams tournament rolls on with Series Number 225. Tonight, the hometown 2000 Cleveland Indians square off against the 1988 Texas Rangers in Game One of this best-of-seven showdown. I’m Jack Buck, joined by John Smoltz, and John, you can feel the electricity in this ballpark.”

John Smoltz:
“Absolutely, Jack. These fans know their club has the bats to do some real damage. Manny Ramírez, Jim Thome, Roberto Alomar—there’s no soft spot in this Indians order. But don’t overlook Texas. Charlie Hough’s knuckleball, Ruben Sierra’s switch-hitting power, and a hungry lineup could make things very interesting. If Cleveland’s pitching falters, Texas has the firepower to keep up.”

Jack Buck:
“You can hear the crowd roar as the Indians jog out of the dugout. Bartolo Colón loosens up on the mound, and in a matter of moments, we’ll be underway here in Game One. Stay with us—first pitch is next, right here at Jacobs Field.”

Camera pans to Colón firing his last warmups, Thome pounding his glove at first, and Sierra waiting near the Rangers’ dugout, bat on shoulder.