The Cleveland Guardians, left for dead in July when they trailed first place by double digits, have stunned the baseball world with an improbable September surge into the division lead, and for . Cleveland fans, the late-season miracle is more than just a sports story.
It is a tonic, a civic rallying cry, and a reminder of what resilience looks like.
From the nearly 370 responses to a question I posed to readers this week through my weekday texts to readers (sign up for free at joinsubtext.com/chrisquinn), three themes stood out: the Guardians’ run as a beacon of joy in tough times, a powerful connection to Cleveland’s past and present, and an emblem of grit and togetherness that resonates far beyond the diamond.
A Bright Light in Dark Times
Over and over, fans said the team’s comeback gave them something to cheer for in the midst of grim headlines.
“The best diversion ever! With all the awful things going on in the world/our nation, thank God for the Guardians and their improbable run!” one person wrote. Another added, “It gladdens my heart in an otherwise seemingly hopeless climate.”
Many used words like “hope,” “respite,” and “joy” to describe what this streak has meant. “It is a happy story in the midst of a difficult year. It is a daily reminder of how Life can give us gifts that we don’t see coming. It is hope. And it’s a heck of a lot of fun.”
Another wrote, “The Guardians have become a reason to smile in an otherwise very sad world.” And yet another: “Absolutely thrilling—in the midst of other troubling stuff in the news every day. A team of underdogs playing with spirit and effort every day, topped off by a star, Jose, who leads with the spirit and effort and attitude.”
The sense of relief was palpable. “Sunday gave me hope and gave me a break from all of the stress I am feeling about what is happening in our country and the world,” a fan shared. Another echoed the theme: “It is such an exciting emotional boost to Cleveland. Baseball is non-partisan and non-racial. Everyone comes together to watch our great Guardians.”
Even fans far from home tuned in. “It means we are using streaming apps and US VPN to watch the games while we are in Italy visiting our son who serves in the US Air Force! Go Guards!” one message read.
Ties That Bind: Pride, History, and Family
For many, the comeback stirred deep memories of past seasons and family traditions.
“This team is the link to our past, present and future. As a lifelong fan I LOVE this September run. We want October ball!” one fan wrote. Another said, “It brings back happy memories, some bittersweet. Getting straight A’s in school and going to my first game in the old stadium. Taking a good friend who was an avid fan to her first game, she was almost 90. Going to a World Series game in town. My baseball buddy and I watching our grandsons run the bases. My son taking me to an AL championship game last year. The Guardians help us look past the doom and gloom and help us smile.”
Generations of fans expressed what it meant to share the ride together. “Members of my family (myself, my adult son, and my partner) have been more invested in Guardians baseball this year than probably ever before. My son was at both Tuesday and Wednesday night’s games and plans to go again tonight and tomorrow night.”
Some carried the devotion across decades. “65 years a fan. It’s a big deal. Maybe you have to be a sports fan, and those who are not probably will never understand, but there is nothing quite so uplifting as watching your team succeed,” wrote one longtime follower. Another, age 75, admitted, “I had written them off in July AND August. ‘Improbable’ doesn’t even come close to describing their astonishing performance. These guys are so focused and devoted to each other—how can one not love them?”
One fan recalled the heartbreaks and the perseverance: “Born in 1956. Been a fan all my life, regardless of team record or name. Love that we have good people in charge even if on a limited budget… Love a team that plays hard & doesn’t give up. This team has been a wonder after 10 games losing streak & 9 out of 10, now in 1st place is a wonder!”
Lessons in Grit and Togetherness
More than once, readers framed the team’s run as a metaphor for persistence and unity.
“The Guardians knew what they had to do. They did what they had to do. Win ball games,” one person wrote. Another called them “a Cinderella team with a bunch of ‘no-names’ except for a few well known stars. One can’t help rooting for them!”
Fans marveled at how a roster of rookies, role players, and reclamation projects could cohere into a contender. “This late rebound has been highly entertaining and made more so because they are doing it with a few very good players and a bunch of journeymen and AAA prospects.”
Manager Stephen Vogt drew heavy praise for his leadership. “Players are giving mgr credit for what has changed and I’d have to after. Vogt never says a BAD thing about players win or lose and it seems to resonate back to us. Fun is the name of the game in CLE these days no matter what happens.” Another put it more simply: “The Guardians are an inspiration. Grit and hard work (and playing baseball how it was meant to be played, of course, under the fine leadership of Steven Vogt and company) are a metaphor for all the things that can go right when people work together under great leadership toward a common goal.”
Others drew lessons for life. “The late run of the Guardians is awesome! It gives an example to our youth to never give up. Go Guardians!” Another agreed: “What an example these guys are setting for young kids—never stop trying. I love this team!”
Still another: “Baseball is America’s pastime. The Guardians are synonymous with how we feel as underdogs. Their tenacity and never give up attitude allows us to cheer and somehow know that we cannot give up on any level. Hard work and believing in ourselves is what America, Northeast Ohio, we are all about. Never stop believing or dreaming! Never give up!”
Even skeptics who had turned away in July admitted their surprise. “I must admit that I was a fan who thought a Division Championship was a far-fetched dream in July… Fortunately, the Guardians players did not feel that way! They are the scrappiest bunch I have seen.”
Conclusion: A City Reawakened
Whether this improbable ride ends with champagne showers in October or heartbreak before, fans said they already feel like winners.
“It means everything. A team that we don’t have to be embarrassed to support. They never quit. They love each other. Their manager has a humanity about him that is rare. They appreciate the fans.”
Another summed it up: “It’s been so much fun! This is why you watch baseball. It’s about the journey and every now and then you get a special team and a special moment that makes it so much sweeter when you’ve been through the ups and downs of a long season.”
And for at least one fan, the emotions were overwhelming: “I teared up as I read your text—that’s how much it means. I’ve been recovering from Rotator Cuff and Bicep repair surgery. Our Guards have been the absolute joy I needed!”
Whatever happens next, the Guardians’ September run has rekindled a spirit in Cleveland that few dared to imagine back in July.
Five Interesting Responses
Members of my family have been baseball fanatics, and particularly Cleveland Indians/Guardians fans, for many years. When my dad died this summer at the age of 91, we included his fandom in his obituary, indicating that he had been ‘promoted to a position in Upper Level management’ for the Guardians.
I am almost in tears I am so happy for the Guards!!! I love them all to death and cleared my schedule to watch every game this week!! Have only missed maybe 3 all season!
We were at the game last night and it truly gave me a respite from all the stress I am feeling. We are Jewish and had our one of our big holidays the other day and I walked into our synagogue and by my seat was an emergency card about what to do if we ended up in a terror situation… I must say attending the game and following this team gave me hope.
Confession: wrote to T Pluto right before this streak started. Outtakes from that letter: How could they take a team that made the final 4 in ’24 and almost deliberately make it worse? Oops!! Happy to be so very wrong.