Jason Kipnis after potential final shoe toss as a Cleveland Indian: ‘The fanbase always has been special to me’

CLEVELAND, Ohio — It was almost as if Jason Kipnis did not want the moment to end.

Long after the majority of fans who turned out Thursday for his annual shoe toss at Progressive Field had cleared out, Kipnis lingered inside the right center field gate, signing autographs and posing for photos with those who remained.

“It’s something I’m happy to do,” Kipnis said. “When you see the turnout like this growing every year and getting bigger, and you’re starting to recognize more and more people, it just becomes fun.”

Dressed in an all-black Players Weekend jersey and black cap reminiscent of funeral attire, the nine-year veteran signed an assortment of game-worn cleats, ball caps, bats, balls and memorabilia for fans in what could be his final act as a member of the Cleveland Indians.

A free agent once the World Series ends later this month, Kipnis has been a part of the organization since he was drafted by the club in 2009. The Indians announced last week that they do not intend to pick up the team option for 2020 on his contract, making it unlikely he will be with the team next season. Kipnis said the outpouring of support from fans been overwhelming at times.

“I can’t tell you how many really nice messages lately,” he said. “And people who have stopped me over the past couple of weeks to say nothing more than ‘thank you.’ That really does hit home. That means a lot to me … I’ve loved this city, and it’s for reasons like that.”

Fans drive from points near and far at the end of each season to attend Kipnis’ shoe toss. Nate Peterson and his children from Bay Village stood outside the gates with Kipnis’ walk-up music playing through a portable speaker in the hopes of scoring a personalized giveaway.

“We figure it it might help if he hears it,” Peterson said.

Kipnis’ season ended early when he fractured the hamate bone in his right hand on Sept. 15. He had surgery Sept. 24 and sported a bandage and a wrap as he signed his name over and over. At one point, Kipnis had gone through four markers while autographing jerseys, balls and signs. He said the surgically-repaired area felt fine afterward.

“The wrist was a little sore,” Kipnis said. “I knew it would be fine going into it. I didn’t throw anything over with the right hand, it was mostly left hands. We’re smart about it right now. It’s getting better.”

Kipnis said he was pleased with the turnout Thursday, noting that he originally thought he’d signed too many items in the clubhouse before heading out to greet fans, but once he saw the crowd, he realized that he had not signed enough. But everybody who stayed throughout the two-hour session got at least an autograph or a photo with the two-time All-Star second baseman.

“Some of these people whether it’s in my daily life, I’ve seen them out at a store, or they send me a nice message that really can lift me up,” Kipnis said. “It’s nice where even a smile, a handshake and a signature to give back, that’s easy enough for me.”

Kipnis said his future with the club is not in his control, but it’s also not a door he ever sees closing. He left open the possibility of returning at some point, whether that’s this offseason or somewhere down the line, the Chicago-area native says he would always love to wear an Indians jersey.

“I always have,” Kipnis said. “This is literally a first-class organization. I’ll be rooting for it if I’m not here. The fanbase always has been special to me.”

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source https://cvrnewsdirect.com/jason-kipnis-after-potential-final-shoe-toss-as-a-cleveland-indian-the-fanbase-always-has-been-special-to-me/