How a fan helped Kenny Lofton get to Cleveland for World Series first pitch
An Indians fan came to Kenny Lofton’s rescue Monday night, ensuring the team’s former center fielder would make it to Cleveland in time to throw out the first pitch prior to Game 1 of the World Series against the Chicago Cubs.
Lofton’s crazy adventure started in Los Angeles, where he was scheduled to take a red-eye flight to Cleveland late Monday night. However, the plane was overbooked and delayed twice, which led to Lofton being placed on a standby list. As time ticked by and Lofton’s urgency to get to Cleveland hastened a bit, he was met by a fan who recognized him and offered his seat so Lofton could make an earlier flight.
According to FOX 6 in Cleveland, Ken Kostal, of Marblehead, Ohio, was in the last group to board the delayed plane when he became aware of Lofton’s predicament. It’s reported he did not hesitate to give up his ticket, which resulted in Lofton being the most relieved man in the airport.
@vincethepolack This is the guy. Ken Kostal my Marblehead neighbor. How about we try and get him a series ticket? pic.twitter.com/ceWZgBikb6
— Jeff Melton (@JeffMelton3) October 25, 2016
“Kenny Lofton went walking by and he’s about four or five people up and a couple people started taking his picture and he made the comment, ‘I don’t know if I’m going to be able to get on this plane,'” Kostal told WJW.
“When he got closer, you know, he had some type of ticket but it obviously wasn’t the right ticket and me being a Cleveland fan I said, ‘I’ll give you my ticket’ and he looked at me and said, ‘I might take you up on it,'” said Kostal.
The rest, as they say, was history.
Lofton took the ticket, made his flight and even had time to take in some sights and feel the moment around Cleveland on Tuesday before the game started.
— Kenny Lofton (@Kenny_Lofton7) October 25, 2016
It was a kind gesture. One that some fans hope will be rewarded with tickets to Game 2 of the World Series. There’s no word on how likely that is yet, but we’re certain Lofton put in a good word for his new friend.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
