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Lindor brings energy to World Series run
By Tom Williams
CLEVELAND
When a team opens the postseason with an 8-1 run, there are plenty of smiles.
Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor has been providing many of them.
“I try to be a little kid,” said the 22-year-old Lindor, who hails from Puerto Rico and played five games for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in 2011. He joined the Indians in 2015 and is a big reason their October has been a blast.
In Tuesday’s 6-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the World Series, Lindor had three hits in four at-bats, scoring the Indians’ first run in the opening frame. With the bases loaded and two outs, Lindor raced home on Jose Ramirez’s infield hit.
“Awesome” is how Lindor described his first World Series experience.
“It’s always special whenever you go up to a manager and they announce your name, and he gives you a hug,” he said of the introductions. “That win made it even better.”
Lindor’s production in the third slot contrasts with the Cubs’ Addison Russell, who was dropped from eighth to ninth in the Game 2 batting lineup after an 0-for-4 start to the Series.
In the Cubs’ 5-1 win Wednesday, Russell reached base three times and Lindor once. Lindor nearly made a slick play in the seventh inning when he knocked down Russell’s sharp hit. The shortstop backhanded the ball high to second baseman Jason Kipnis who dropped it for an error.
The Series opener was Lindor’s third straight game with multiple hits. He maintains he’s not doing anything different.
“I’m just trying to do the exact same thing that I’ve been trying to do since day one, just find a good pitch to hit and get on base,” Lindor said before Game 2. “And if I don’t get on base and I’m not successful that day, just finds a way to help the team that day.”
Indians manager Terry Francona said one of the keys to Lindor’s success was winning over the veterans.
“There’s a lot of things he does well,” Francona said. “I think the thing I’m really the most pleased about is the way [he’s been accepted.]
“As a young player, you can come in and be a little too loud, too quick,” Francona said. “I don’t know if tempered is the right word, but he got the veterans to quickly understand that he cared about winning. That allowed his personality to show.”
Ramirez, the Indians’ third baseman, says Lindor’s “energy and focus” impress him.
“He’s always happy when he plays, he’s always focused on the game,” Ramirez said.
Lindor said he’s trying to not make a big deal out of the postseason.
“I’ve got the same routine,” Lindor said. “Of course we know it’s the World Series, but I’m trying to do the same.”
His focus is getting on base to set the table for the sluggers like Mike Naopli.
“I’m 5-11, I weigh 180, so I’m not trying to hit home runs,” he said.
Lindor said he’s far exceeded his goals of a few years ago.
“This was my dream, playing on TV so my family could see me,” Lindor said. “It was never to play in the Big Leagues.
“I just sit back, look around and see how blessed I am.
“The Lord has given me a lot of opportunities and blessed me throughout my career.
“It’s taken a lot of hard work to get here, and it’s going to take a lot more work to stay up here,” Lindor said. “I’m just thankful and appreciative, and I’m enjoying the ride.”