America wanted Ricky Vaughn. It will have to settle for Kenny Lofton.
The former Indians outfielder will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 1 of the World Series Tuesday night in Cleveland, MLB announced Monday. Lofton's teammate from the Indians' mid-1990s playoff teams, Carlos Baerga, will do the honors before Game 2.
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As franchise icons go, they'll do, even though both played for several other teams in their careers. Lofton has the more worthy resume, appearing in the playoffs with the Indians in six different seasons during his 17-year career. Baerga spent eight of his 14 seasons with Cleveland and was a three-time All-Star for the team.
Either way, the choices are unlikely to satisfy an American public that had been salivating over the possibility of Charlie Sheen getting the call in character as Vaughn, the flamethrowing Indians closer from the "Major League" movies. MLB already had shot down that notion, but perhaps the Indians will find a way to work in an homage to the Wild Thing, Jake Taylor, Willie Mays Hayes and the rest of the crew from the movies.
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As far as we know, none of the above are accomplished singers, so there shouldn't be any controversy over national anthem snubs. For Game 1, Rachel Platten of "Fight Song" fame will sing "The Star Spangled Banner," with country duo Locash to follow in Game 2.
