The Indians had their homecoming, but a familiar face crashed Cleveland’s party.
On Monday, Travis Hafner returned to Progressive Field as a member of the Yankees and helped send the Indians to an 11-6 loss in the Tribe’s home opener. Taking advantage of an erratic showing from starter Ubaldo Jimenez, Hafner drove in New York’s first four runs and launched a home run in his first at-bat back in his old stomping grounds.
The theme of the pregame festivities was tradition.
It figured that someone from the franchise’s past came back to haunt the Tribe.
“Haf was here for a long time,” Indians left fielder Michael Brantley said. “I think the crowd did a great job acknowledging him. He beat us today. He had some good swings. That’s all you can say.”
The crowd did offer Hafner a warm reception — with the anticipated smattering of boos — as he settled into the left-handed batter’s box that he called home for the past decade. As he rounded the basepaths that he’s come to know all too well following a three-run home run in the first inning, the heckles overcame the cheers in a hurry.
Hafner did not expect anything less from the Cleveland faithful.
“They’re passionate fans here,” said Hafner, who ended the evening with two hits, two walks and four RBIs. “When you’re playing for the Yankees and you do well, you’re going to get booed.”
Joining Hafner in New York’s hit parade was second baseman Robinson Cano, who launched a pair of home runs, including one off Jimenez.
Click here to read more of this story.
About Marion Online Sports
