CLEVELAND — Baseball is back in Cleveland!
Even though it’s at a much smaller capacity — 30% — fans are allowed back in the stands this season. But vendors in the stands are not part of the game day experience right now because of COVID-19.
Spectrum News caught up with three generations of vendors named "Joe Kleinhenz" who are bummed to miss out on another opening day.
“I love everything about the Indians,” said Joe.
The "Joe Kleinhenz" name dates back even further than Joe, Joey, and Joey.
“Yeah, we lack imagination," Joe joked. “This maybe will shock you, but he is the 7th Joe Kleinhenz,” he said referring to his grandson.
But these three go by other names, too: "Beer Dude," "Margarita Guy," and "I'm just Joey," said the youngest.
You may recognize them if you’re a Cleveland Indians fan. All three are vendors at Progressive Field.
“I have a saying that says, 'Oh honey, the Beer Dude’s here. I got Bud, Bud Light, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Labatt Blue and Summer Shandy — made for women, but men like them too,'” said the "Beer Dude."
It’s something the oldest Joe got into 13 years ago after years of being a season ticket holder.
“I have like regular customers that just won’t buy from anyone else but me,” he said.
He started as a vendor with the Cleveland Browns and loves the job so much he travels with other teams.
“All over the place," said the "Beer Dude." "Wherever they need a vendor.”
Joey the "Margarita Guy" grew up coming to games back when it was Municipal Stadium.
“That started my love of baseball," he said.
Vending with his dad became his full-time ticket inside in 2017.
“Here comes June and I got a big backpack and a Hawaiian shirt,” said the "Margarita Guy." "It just kind of was fun. I was saying “margarita” and I went down one aisle and I kind of said it loudly and some little kid heard me and kind of yelled it back to me. I started yelling at him and it turned into a back and forth and people were laughing.”
And from that moment on - he’s proudly been known as the "Margarita Guy."
The persona has even become a Halloween costume. But selling the cocktail wasn’t his first choice.
“I thought who buys margaritas at the stadium,” said the "Margarita Guy." “The greatest mistake to ever happen. I don’t even want to go back to beer ever again. I wish I could do margaritas on Opening Day.”
The youngest Joey is just shy of 21. Going to Indians games was a big part of his childhood, too.
“Most people think he’s my brother," Joey said while pointing to his dad. "And that that’s my dad," he said while pointing to his grandpa.
For the last few years, he’s sold hot dogs and gotten to know the furry fans best.
“Hi there," Joey said while petting a police service dog.
But this season, they’re toasting beers instead of selling them.
“May the games begin,” the "Beer Dude" said in a toast.
For the second year in a row, Opening Day won’t be quite the same.
“My son’s shoulder is damp from my tears," said the "Margarita Guy."
These guys won’t be in the stands because of COVID-19.
“The fans, which a lot of them have contacted me, said the game will not be the same if I don’t hear your echoing voice,” said the "Beer Dude."
But they’re hopeful to be part of the season eventually, especially since Joey is just getting started. Tradition and team pride runs deep in this family.
“Anything to out-do their voices. I’ll do," he said.
"Beer Dude" plans to stick around for a while.
“As long as these legs will keep me going and these arms can carry beer.”
And "Margarita Guy" is an entertainer at heart that hopes to leave his mark on Cleveland.
“I love Cleveland so much," he said. "I love this city. If I can be something that’s part of this city that gets remembered, that’s my intention.”
Although the Kleinhenz clan won’t be at Opening Day to serve fans, concession stands are open and the hope is for seat vendors to return to the ballpark later on this season.