The ceremonial first pitches for the first two games of the World Series will be thrown out by Kenny Lofton and Carlos Baerga, two key members of the ’90s-era Indians.

To make that happen both guys have to be in Cleveland, obviously. And you can thank a Clevelander for helping to get No. 7 here in a timely fashion. 

We got a note from a friend of the program describing Lofton’s travels last night. The lessons: Clevelanders are the best, and Lofton should have someone else book his travel arrangements.

On the redeye from L.A. to home sweet home Cleveland. Bringing along Kenny Lofton our World Series opening game guest first pitch celebrity! A man from Cleveland gave Kenny his plane ticket and seat (he was standby status on the oversold plane) so he could get to Cleveland. When he walked to his seat I think he was genuinely surprised and touched by all the people clapping for him and calling his name. Bring on those Cubbies!
More proof? Here’s a pic. Guy’s name is Ken Kostal. 

Indeed. Let’s get this guy a WS ticket.

This article appears in Oct 19-25, 2016.

Vince Grzegorek has been with Scene since 2007 and editor-in-chief since 2012. He previously worked at Discount Drug Mart and Texas Roadhouse.

13 replies on “A Clevelander Gave Up His Seat on a Plane Last Night So Kenny Lofton Could Make His Flight to Cleveland”

  2. That’s awesome this is seth wells Kenny lofton ur are my favorite player of all time ever since I was a little kid I followed u and tried to be like u and loved the game how I could see u loved the game wish I could meet you sometime.

  3. Man wish I could be there just to see Kenny lofton my favorite player of alltime always played the game like he did and love the game like I could see he loved it wish I could meet him someday u the man Kenny #7

  8. My late mother-in-law (who was alive for ALL FIVE previous World Series appearances by the Tribe) prized her Kenny Lofton T-shirt until her final days. Unfortunately, it somehow disappeared after she died.

    Does anyone know where I can find another one before the Series ends?
    Or even before Christmas? My wife would go nuts!

    Chuckles the Clown

  9. Kind of ridiculous: Last minute travel like he got invited an hour before he needed to leave; team does not provide transport;

    The story makes someone look stupid; You figure out who.

  11. U the man Ken!!! Now everyone show your support next summer when u go to Marblehead and stop and eat at BIG BOPPERS!!!!!

  12. Someting isnt right about this?! Your throwing out home opener for world series and your not taken care of with a flight? Or if it got delayed it couldnt get fixed? Hmmmm. Then if this guy went above and beyond kenny really couldnt pull strings and get him a ticket? Think with this publicity this gentleman will get one. Wierd if kenny didn’t know him prior tho.. My thoughts..

  13. White Sox fan here…Lofton killed us in several ways (speed, triples, fielding!). I still feel he was underrated as a player. This is a great story.

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