World Series 2009: The Cleveland Connection

In a world where political correctness and civil libertarians are starting to impede on the standards of life, I still need to tread carefully when discussing matters of Native/First Nations affairs. After all, I live on the crossroads of the Ojibwe and the Dakota.

Such as the Cleveland Indians - Or, the ex-Tribe pitchers now facing each other in Game One of the 2009 World Series.

Did anyone see this coming? Cliff Lee and C.C. Sabathia - the last two American League Cy Young Award winners. Both were members of Eric Wedge-led Cleveland teams. Both were disciples of Carl Willis. Both also shared lockers.

Sabathia was the first to leave Progressive Field. He went to Milwaukee in hopes of riding a postseason train further than the 2007 Tribe. At least the Tribe went to the ALCS the season before. When his Brewers dream was null, he looked for a better deal. With the Steinbrenner's family hands wide open, Sabathia snatched the ball and became a Yankee.

Then, Lee left. He had the Cy Young last year in part to resurrect his career. When Sabathia headed to Wisconsin, it was Lee's ballclub to ace. He arrived in 2009, the Tribe in shambles, Wedge's job on the line - he bolted to Philly. All of the sudden, Cliff Lee became Cliff Lee again. That Cy Young swagger and methodical delivery in tact.

How many starting pitching match-ups in World Series history have you had the pleasure of witnessing? I'm certain we have seen a match-up of two masters on the mound where a hit would ruin the fun for the fan - a home run would end all expectations on the game.

The true winner will not be either the Yankees or the Phillies. Rather, the Cleveland Indians. It is a tribute to an organization that crafted fine ballplayers through a winning farm system full of the finest teachers of the game.