The Lake County Captains battled the Burlington Bees at Classic Field on July 22 in Eastlake. The Cleveland Indians Class A version of professional baseball experience was interspersed with fun festivities for families marking Latino Heritage Day at the park. The clouds were gray but the hearts were bright as fans dined on Latino culinary favorites and were regaled by Latino folklore dancers.
The crowd was not only entertained by the action on the field but also by the action off the field as a gathering of team mascots, including Cleveland Indians? famous mascot, Slider, circulated through the stands, much to the delight of the young people in attendance.
Father Chris Zerucha, parochial victor at St. Mary Parish in Painesville, celebrated Mass before the game in the Captains? pavilion and later took part in the first pitch ceremony. By all accounts, Father Chris? pitch crossed home plate with a zing that would have made Bob Feller proud.
Bishop Nelson Perez attended the game as a guest of the Captains.
