Lindor serves as All-Star host in adopted hometown
By Miguel Martinez
Francisco Lindor has undoubtedly been the face of the Cleveland Indians since he arrived in the majors in 2015, progressively becoming the biggest star for the home team at Progressive Field.
Being the face of a franchise might come easy when your nickname is Mr. Smile. The slick-fielding shortstop has plenty to smile about since being selected to the All-Star Game by his peers.
Although injuries sidelined him for nearly a month, Lindor won a spot on the American League All-Star team. He’s set to play in his fourth Midsummer Classic in as many seasons. It was earned, not given, considering the fan vote failed to get him on the All-Star team.
When you’re a star like Lindor, things tend to take care of themselves. Hard work gets recognized even when hype doesn’t follow.
Lindor, 25, and Carlos Santana have been bright spots in a tough season for the Indians. They have been rewarded with a trip to the big event their city is hosting.
It wouldn’t feel right if Lindor’s name wasn’t called in his home ballpark for the Midsummer Classic.
Lindor is one of the best young talents in the game at a time when there is no shortage of it. His presence elevates the All-Star Game because he’s an idol to young kids in Cleveland, his native Puerto Rico and across the baseball world. The stars come out for the All-Star Game, and it only makes sense for Cleveland’s own to be there on his own merit.
La Vida Baseball recently sat down with Lindor to discuss what the baseball world should expect when the Midsummer Classic is held in his adopted hometown.
Francisco Lindor’s Q&A with La Vida Baseball:
La Vida Baseball: What do you expect during the All-Star Game?
Lindor: Cleveland is a very good city. The people are very special. They are very affectionate. They appreciate sports and they appreciate when the player performs at his best. A nice event was prepared, a special event in the city of Cleveland for all the players who are going for the first time or the eighth or seventh time.
LVB: Right?
Lindor: It’s going to be a special moment, and I’m anxious to show off my beautiful city.
LVB: Where should people who don’t know much about Cleveland go to eat?
Lindor: There are different (places) in downtown. One is the Marble Room. The other is XO’s. They have to go to Little Italy in the outskirts of Cleveland where you eat tremendous pasta, very good Italian. It seems like they make it at home.
LVB: Homemade?
Lindor: Yes, yes, yes. There are several good places.
LVB: What is there to see in Cleveland?
Lindor: Well, there’s the Rock and Roll Museum. There’s the Music Center, the U.S. University of Music, the Conservatory of Music, so you can go to see that. You can go for a walk on the waterfront. I know it’s not like in some Latin countries, but it’s kind of the same.
Cleveland isn’t the biggest city, but there’s lots of little things to do. There’s the Football Hall of Fame, but it’s not in the city of Cleveland. It’s like 25 or 30 minutes away. I think in Canton, Ohio. You can do that or come watch us.
LVB: That’s it, go to a game in Cleveland. Speaking of music, since you mentioned it, what music are you listening to?
Lindor: Well, what we have, the Boricuas, is salsa, reggaeton and merengue.
Lately, I’ve been listening a lot to Bad Bunny, Ozuna, Micky Woods, Anuel AA. Daddy Yankee knows he’s always the legend. Classical Salsa, Hector Lavoe, Victor Manuelle, the classics. As I’m staying here, I also listen to American music because we are in an American environment. The boys play American music.
LVB: Between Bad Bunny and Ozuna, which one do you prefer? Which one do you choose?
Lindor: They have totally different styles. Ozuna is more for girls, and Bad Bunny makes more masculine, street music, but at the same time he is a very good person. It depends on the mood. I like Ozuna a lot. Ozuna is a pana, a friend. And Bunny, if I’m in that mood before a game, I’m mentally preparing going to come out and give it my all.
LVB: What is your favorite Bad Bunny song?
Lindor: Uh, “Estamos Bien” I like it a lot. I also like “Quien Tú Eres”, the new one he’s released lately. His new “Callaíta.”
LVB: What is your walk-up song?
Lindor: Right now I have a beat. I have one that’s a beat that’s more for training people. And the other one I have is “Ven y Hazlo Tu,” which is the new one from Nicky Jam, Anuel AA and Arcangel.
LVB: What is your favorite dish from Puerto Rico?
Lindor: From Puerto Rico, I love Mofongo, rice with pigeon peas. And I know the lasagna isn’t from Puerto Rico but since my mom makes it and she’s Puerto Rican, I love it.