CLEVELAND — Before Game 1 of the 2016 World Series, Terry Francona traveled the winding tunnel to the home dugout, where he could take in the crisp, autumn air. He was anxious. The clock was ticking all too slowly. It was only one hour before the first pitch. But Cleveland’s manager needed to clear his head.
And he wasn’t alone. Mike Napoli, leaning against a padded railing, was taking in the nervous energy of the ballpark.
“What are you doing out here?” Francona asked the veteran slugger.
“I’m scared to death,” Napoli said.
“Me too,” replied Francona, despite having two previous trips to the World Series under his belt.
It’s impossible to predict what the postseason will bring. That’s what makes it so special. That’s what makes it terrifying. A Cleveland club that was limping proved anything could happen in 2016. The same thing happened in 2017 with the Cleveland Juggernaut.
Francona felt butterflies for the first time this year in Game 162’s ninth inning on Wednesday. For the Wild Card Series preparations, the coaches stayed up late at the ballpark. And Francona said he’ll once again “be scared to death” when he arrives at Progressive Field on Friday morning for the start of another playoff adventure.
He won’t be the only one fending off his emotions. For many reasons, this Guardians season was meaningful. It was filled with surprises and markedly distinguished by dramatic, logic-defying triumphs. It has been a source of comfort for some. Others see it as the source of a precious family bond.
While no one knows what October holds, Guardians fans will be keeping an eye on them as they embark on a postseason adventure to an unknown destination.
