Get to know Berea-Midpark junior baseball player Brandon Orlando.

BEREA, Ohio – Like most athletes at Berea-Midpark, junior Brandon Orlando plays multiple sports.

In the fall, he's an outside linebacker and fullback for the Titans' football team. In the spring, he switches his attention to the diamond, where he's a third baseman and pitcher for a Berea-Midpark team looking to make an improvement on last year's 12-12 regular season finish.

Orlando talked about how he got into playing baseball and more in this week's Varsity Timeout.

Q: How did you get into playing baseball?

A: My dad loves the game and I watched it when I was younger and I really liked it.

Q: Who's your favorite team?

A: Probably the Nationals. I think they'll have a big year. I like (starting pitcher Stephen) Strasburg.

Q: What's your favorite part about the game?

A: Definitely hitting. I love offense. I've always been a good hitter. I like running the bases, stealing bases.

Q: In addition to third base, you also pitch. What's your favorite pitch to throw?

A: I throw a hard fastball.

Q: What do you feel like you need to improve on from last year to stand out on this year's team?

A: My defense at third base.

Q: When you're not playing football or baseball, what do you like to do for fun? 

A: I hang out with my friends who are on the baseball or football team too, we like to play street basketball and play videogames. My favorite is NBA 2K.

Follow our high school sports Twitter account, @NEOVarsity for high school sports news and score updates and be sure to use the hashtag #NEOVarsity when Tweeting about high school sports.

Contact high school sports producer Cameron Moon by email (cmoon@cleveland.com) or on Twitter (@MoonCameron20). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Before the Indians take the field at home on April 10, Gaylord Perry will cap an afternoon full of pregame festivities with the ceremonial first pitch. Will he throw a spitball?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Before the Indians take the field at home on April 10, Gaylord Perry will cap an afternoon full of pregame festivities with the ceremonial first pitch. Will he throw one of his patented spitballs?

Perry, a Hall of Famer, won the American League Cy Young Award in 1972, as he became the first Tribe hurler to receive the honor. Last season, Corey Kluber became the fourth Indians pitcher to accomplish the feat. 

Gates at the newly renovated Progressive Field will open at 2 p.m. First pitch against the Detroit Tigers is at 4:10. At 2 p.m., balloons will be launched and a "block party" will commence at the right field gate, where local band The Spazmatics will play and former Tribe second baseman Carlos Baerga will sign autographs from 3-3:30. Fans can also participate in activities such as Jenga and speed sketch.

Arianna Korting, a pianist and a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music, will perform the national anthem and the team will honor the U.S. military, as members of all branches will present the colors and an oversized American flag will occupy much of the field.

Lakewood boys track coach Mike Dow answers six questions for cleveland.com's Varsity Timeout.

LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- Massachusetts native Mike Dow is beginning his second year as the boys track coach at Lakewood High School.

A former decathlete and junior olympian, Dow is the West Shore Career Technical School construction trades instructor at Lakewood.

Dow recently chatted with the Northeast Ohio Media Group about his journey to Lakewood as part of this week's Varsity Timeout feature.

Q: You grew up in Massachusetts and had your first track coaching job there. What was that like?
A: "It was the high school he went to. I was pretty young. I hadn't coached in a long time, and when this position (at Lakewood) opened up last year I was anxious to get involved again."

Q: Was track sort of the family sport in your house?
A: "My dad was a Division I track coach in New England. He coached at Holy Cross College and Northeastern University. I've always been around track and field. It's been a passion of mine. I competed in college. I just really wanted to get back into it. I like being with the kids and seeing them excel and get better each week."

Q: How much untapped potential is there among student-athletes at Lakewood?
A: "This year I helped out with the football program, and that helped me get a lot more athletes out for the track team. My numbers went from the low 50s to the low 80s. I'm just looking for those hidden gems that are walking the halls around the school. We've just got to get them coming out for a sport."

Q: How much will the new construction projects at LHS help that?
A: "The facilities that are being built here are going to be top notch. And its going to be something all the athletic programs can benefit from. We're also getting more into the recreation department. The Running Ranger track program has been set up. Both (girls track coach) Stephanie Toole and I are getting more involved in that to try and identify these track athletes at an early age."

Q: That said, Lakewood Stadium is a little tight for hurdles, right?
A: "We tend to run the hurdle events in six lanes. Leaving lane 1 and lane 8 empty. We're not holding the district championships here for the first time in a long time because of the construction project at the high school. We're more concerned with parking as opposed to anything else. In dual meets we only run six lanes because the stands are so close."

Q: Who are some of the Lakewood athletes to keep an eye on this year?
A: "Michael Johnston is a multi-event athlete that I can put anywhere. He can run both hurdle events, high jump, 4x400. He's going to be a multi-event athlete in college if he decides to run track. We've got a pretty strong young distance crew. They were the district champions in cross country this fall. We have one senior and the rest are sophomores in distance events, so we're pretty loaded tree. We'll face good competition at the Comet Relays in Amherst and the Berea Relays. Jimmy Toner is another athlete to watch. He runs middle distances and is a pole vaulter. He's been vaulting most of the winter on his own. Jimmy improved 2.5 feet over what he did last year. We're looking for big things from him. He's a phenomenal athlete and a gifted musician. He's in the orchestra here at the high school and in the national youth orchestra.

Nick Swisher will see his first action regular spring-training game, but the Tribe is preparing to open the season without him.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Scribbles in my Indians notebook:

1. Terry Francona said Nick Swisher will play in his first big-league spring game. He will be the designated hitter on Wednesday against the Giants. Recovering from surgery on both knees, Swisher has played in a few minor-league games.

2. The Indians will take Swisher with them to Houston to open the regular season, but he'll be on the disabled list. After those three games, Swisher will return to Goodyear to continue his rehabilitation program and play in some minor-league games in Arizona.

3. At some point, Swisher will play in some games at Akron, Columbus, etc. The goal is to be able to play back-to-back games in the outfield, and for his knees to handle the load. They don't see Swisher as strictly a designated hitter. Francona is not giving any firm date for Swisher's return because the key will be how his knees react.

4. As the season opens, Francona said he plans to use a few players as DH. Brandon Moss will probably open in right field, with David Murphy or Ryan Raburn as the DH. Murphy and Raburn form a natural LH/RH platoon. Moss will also do some time at DH.

5. Francona is so pleased with Roberto Perez that he said Perez can handle some of the catching duties when the Indians face lefty pitchers. "Roberto was made to catch," said Francona. "He makes it look easy." Then the manager can either give Yan Gomes a day off, or use Gomes as a DH. Gomes batted .331 (.878 OPS) against lefties last season.

6. Francona on Gomes as a catcher: "He's so athletic. He has good hands. Good reactions. Good everything."

7. Francona on Michael Bourn: "(This spring) shows his legs feel good. Our goal is for him to be in a good spot to start the season, and he's more than ready to go."

8. The Indians still have not filled the last roster spot. If it's a pitcher, it will be Austin Adams. If it's a position player, it will either be Jesus Aguilar or infielder Michael Martinez.

Get scoring updates and chat with other commenters as the Indians take on the Felix Hernandez and the Seattle Mariners at Goodyear Ballpark.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Get scoring updates and chat with other commenters as the Indians take on the Felix Hernandez and the Seattle Mariners at Goodyear Ballpark.

Where to watch/listen: Indians.com

Starting Pitchers: Bruce Chen vs. Felix Hernandez

Starting lineup:

CF Michael Bourn

2B Jason Kipnis

LF Michael Brantley

1B Carlos Santana

RF Brandon Moss

DH Yan Gomes

3B Lonnie Chisenhall

C Roberto Perez

SS Jose Ramirez

Parma softball coach Darrin Laughlin is featured in this week's varsity timeout.

PARMA, Ohio --The spring sports season is upon us, and that means that local softball teams are starting what they hope is a long and successful season.

Parma coach Darrin Laughlin spoke with the Northeast Ohio Media Group about his upcoming plans for the season, and what got him into coaching.

Q: What are your expectations for your team in this upcoming season?

A: "Our goals for this season are to continue our hard work and dedication toward our ultimate goal of winning a state title."

Q: If you could coach in any softball stadium in the country, which one and why?

A: "I would love to coach at the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City. To me, that's the biggest stage you can find in softball."

Q: Who are some coaches in any sport that you are a fan of and why?

A: "My biggest idols as coaches are my grandpa and my dad. They taught me what it means to be a coach, and helped me understand why sports are so important for kids."

Q: If there was one softball rule you could change, what would it be?

A: "I think making an attempt to get out of the way of a pitch that's going to hit you should be brought back. You shouldn't be rewarded for wearing a pitch."

Q: How did you get into coaching?

A: "I got involved in softball when my sister was heading into high school and have been involved ever since."

Q: When you are not coaching, what are your hobbies?

A: "When I am not coaching softball, I am coaching wrestling at Fairview High School. I also play some slow pitch softball over the summer."

See the list of players in Tuesday's senior all-star games sponsored by the Greater Cleveland Basketball Coaches Association.

ROCKY RIVER, Ohio – On Tuesday evening the Greater Cleveland Basketball Coaches Association will sponsor the annual senior all-star girls basketball games at Rocky River.

Three games are scheduled to be played with the first beginning at 6 p.m. The next two games will follow at 7:15 and 8:30.

Paul Barlow is expected to be recognized after retiring from coaching girls basketball at Hathaway Brown. Barlow led the Blazers to five state championships before accepting the athletic director position at Magnificat during this season.

See below the coaches and players expected to suit up:

GAME ONE

Coach Mike Harper of Lakewood: Savanajh Black (Lakewood), Rachel Malloy (Fairview), Samaria Tuffs (Cleveland Heights), Johanna Ragland (Lutheran West), Olivia Gailey (Brunswick), Rylie Matthews (Magnificat), Eileen Carey (Magnificat), Jessica Vormelker (Grand Valley) and Daija Avery (Cleveland Heights)

Coach Tony Redding of Villa Angela-St. Joseph: Savannah Heckelmoser (Padua), Juliana Pavicic (Padua), Brianna Williams (Twinsburg), Dyna Lurns (East Tech), DJ Williams (Mayfield), Madison Stacho (Normandy), Ashley Duthie (Madison), Julie Bruening (Madison), Ariez Sims (Glenville) and Samantha Archauer (Kirtland).

GAME TWO

Coach Brian Arth of Elyria: Sybil Roseboro (Elyria), Natalie Hill (Beachwood), Mariah McGhee (Villa Angela-St. Joseph), Brittany Morrison (St. Joseph Academy), Jenna Stegmaier (Cuyahoga Heights), Aryana Jackson (Beachwood), Rachel Flis (North Royalton), Alison Smolinski (North Royalton) and Mackenzi Matthews (North Royalton).

Coach Chip Weiss of Westlake: Allison Collins (Westlake), Mackenzie Meckes (Avon), Sierra Davidson (Avon), Madison Clause (Lakewood), Mikayla Harper (Lakewood), Brooke Wallace (Amherst), Kerri Gasper (Olmsted Falls), Nicole Felice (Laurel) and Tomariah Whitner (Euclid)

GAME THREE

Coach Joe Schafer of Avon: Carolyn Farling (Rocky River), Samantha Newby (Brooklyn), Hailey Grant (St. Joseph Academy), Emily Oliver (Hawken), Hannah O’Day (Hawken), Christin Range (Bedford), Mariah Porter (Wickliffe), Shannon Newby (Brooklyn), Mallory Scott (Rocky River).

Coach Scott Klingbeil of Padua: Kristi Vopat (Padua), Jackie Hartman (Padua), Nicole Ferrara (Independence), Halle Dorko (Independence), Mary Katherin Carney (Notre Dame Cathedral Latin), Samantha Flowers (Notre Dame Cathedral Latin), Steph Hunter (Chardon), Jasmine Miller (Parma), Kelsey Bilak (Fairview).

Take a look at who mock drafts have the Browns taking in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- What's stranger than the Browns' constant draft failures? The perception of the Browns' draft failures.

To hear some people talk, it sounds as if the Browns have done nothing but draft quarterbacks and big names, ignoring every other position. But the reality is that, going back to 2009, the Browns' first rounds have gone like this by position: C (Alex Mack), CB (Joe Haden), DT (Phil Taylor), RB (Trent Richardson), QB (Brandon Weeden), DE/LB (Barkevious Mingo), CB (Justin Gilbert), QB (Johnny Manziel). 

If you're scoring at home, that's two of their last eight first-round picks that were quarterbacks and both were the team's second selection of the first round. The other picks have been a running back, pass rushers, run stoppers or secondary. It's not that the Browns haven't tried to build the team with picks high in the draft, it's mostly that they've gotten those picks wrong (with the exception of one of the cornerbacks, Joe Haden, and the center, Alex Mack).

The Browns did well in 2014 to add key players after the first round. Joel Bitonio, Christian Kirksey and Terrance West are all contributors. But how different are the Browns if they hit -- and I mean find a Pro Bowl-type player hit -- on more than two of those non-QB picks? That's what they'll try to do in 2015, barring an aggressive move-up for a quarterback. And digging through mock drafts, it's the trenches on both sides that could get the attention.

We start with Todd McShay of ESPN:

12. Danny Shelton, DT, Washington

"Outside of quarterback, which the Browns aren't going to be able to address here in this scenario, the team's biggest needs are at wide receiver, right tackle and nose tackle. Shelton is the No. 9 player on our board, so he's a value here, and there are good receiver and right tackle prospects to be had with the Browns' No. 19 pick. You always have to worry about consistency with a player Shelton's size (6-2, 339 pounds), but he has the potential to be a dominant force against the run and double-team magnet in the middle of Cleveland's defensive front. He can also push the pocket as a pass-rusher."

A note here: McShay has Vic Beasley going next. The scenario of picking between him and Shelton would be an interesting one. He also has La'el Collins going at No. 11. If the Browns want to add an elite tackle prospect, would they think about moving up a spot?

19. Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (FL)

"With Danny Shelton going to them at No. 12, I think this pick would come down to a wide receiver or offensive tackle. Flowers is a tough player with very good intangibles who takes well to coaching. He has a massive frame, is effective as a pass protector and a run blocker, and could fit in at right tackle opposite Joe Thomas or at guard."

CBSsports.com has a couple updated mocks. First, Rob Rang:

12. La'el Collins, OT, LSU

"The Browns feature one of the NFL's better offensive lines but right tackle is a relative weak spot. Collins starred on the left side at LSU but his power-based game projects better inside or at right tackle."

Another interesting scenario with Rang slotting DeVante Parker going one pick earlier. How much do the Browns like or want Parker?

19. Malcom Brown, DT, Texas

"The Browns finished dead last in the NFL in run defense a year ago and have allowed more than 2,000 rushing yards in 14 of the past 16 seasons -- a recipe for disaster in the black and blue AFC North. The 6-4, 320-pound Brown is a stout run defender who add bulk and strength to an otherwise undersized front."

Just like Flowers has been a popular choice if the Browns go defensive line first, Brown has been en vogue if they go defensive line second.

Dane Brugler has the defensive line first part of the equation, one of many who thinks Shelton could be the pick at No. 12, but the second pick of the round he has them going a different way:

19. Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF 

"The Browns addressed the front seven at pick No. 12 (Danny Shelton) and switch gears to offense with their second first round pick. Although still raw in areas, Perriman has all the physical traits NFL teams covet at the wide receiver position."

Bucky Brooks of NFL.com has the Browns thinking Flowers earlier than most:

12. Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (FL)

"The Browns need an offensive tackle adept at moving people off the ball. The ex-Hurricane displays the explosive strength and power to handle a starting right tackle position."

19. Malcom Brown DT, Texas

"The recent signings of Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline alleviate some of the pressure to take a pass catcher in Round 1. They could opt to add a big-bodied run stuffer like Brown to a defense that's rounding into form under Mike Pettine."

Walter Football is in line with most others, too, with the exception of Ereck Flowers coming off the board before No. 19:

12. Danny Shelton, DT, Washington

"Cleveland was atrocious against the run to close out the season. Part of the reason for that was incompetent play from the defensive line. It didn't help that Phil Taylor, who struggled early, missed the second half of the year with a knee injury. He has literally been a huge disappointment. The same goes for Ahtyba Rubin, who is gone. 

"I've had Danny Shelton as high as No. 5 before, so being able to grab him at the 12th selection is a steal. I just couldn't find a home for him in the top 10. I considered Chicago, but Kevin White seems like the better prospect." 

19. Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford

"The Browns have expressed a desire to fortify their offensive and defensive lines, so they can take care of the former with this selection. The front office wanted to upgrade Mitchell Schwartz last year, with plans to move him inside. Here's a potential new starter in Andrus Peat, whose stock has dropped enough that he could slip to No. 19 (or No. 25 like in the previous update)."

Over at SB Nation, Dan Kadar thinks the Browns go wide receiver at 12 and a familiar name at 19:

12. DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville

"If the Browns don't make a move for Mariota, they could sit back at No. 12 and decide which wide receiver or defensive player they like the most. The catch for the Browns in this scenario is that Washington's Danny Shelton is gone and the best pass rushers are off the board. This is a little too early for someone like Texas defensive tackle Malcom Brown and Missouri pass rusher Shane Ray. Enter Parker, a potential high-end receiver whom the Browns could use out wide or from the slot."

19. Malcom Brown, DT, Texas

"A defensive lineman or a pass rusher? The answer to that will depend on whichever position the Browns view as a bigger weakness. The choice is a lineman because a healthy Barkevious Mingo should be better getting after the quarterback. The team is also high on Scott Solomon as someone who can pressure the quarterback. That shifts the focus to the line, where a player like Brown could get in for 600 snaps a season and help improve a bad run defense."

So we've reached the point where the same names are showing up everywhere. Are there names that address the defense that we haven't talked much about?

Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski thinks so:

12. Shane Ray, Missouri, DE, Missouri

"The Missouri product is a relentless pass-rusher who produced in college football's toughest conference. For long-term Browns fans, he's the latest version of a "mad dog in a meat market." Ray was named the SEC's Defensive Player of the Year after registering 22.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks as a junior."

19. Landon Collins, S, Alabama

"This selection will come as a surprise since the Browns already have a pair of former Pro Bowl safeties on the roster. 

"However, overall value supersedes positional need at this juncture. 

"Collins is the No. 1 safety prospect in this year's draft. He's played free and strong safety during his career with the Alabama Crimson Tide as well as covered receivers in the slot. He would provide system flexibility."

I'm all for taking talent over need, but this one is a head-scratcher. There should be a handful of guys that meet both talent and need here.

The theme, though, aside from an outlier here or there: the trenches. They're important, but let's spice it up a little. Let's have some fun with this mock draft thing. Help me out, Lance Zierlein:

12. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

"If Mariota is here, the Browns would probably race to the podium with their card. It's unlikely the Browns trust Manziel, and Mariota could learn behind Josh McCown."

Now that's exciting.

19. Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF

"Perriman blew up his pro day with a mid-4.2 40, but the tape already showed that. Perriman offers the same explosiveness that Josh Gordon gave the Browns."

Using the first two picks to completely change the look of your offense? Hey, it's fun to think about, at least.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are among the favorites to win a NBA title. Now comes the Indians picked by Sports Illustrated to win the World Series. What could go wrong?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- You Said It is based on the premise that the only thing Cleveland sports fans need more than a championship is a sense of humor...

YOU SAID IT

(The Tuesday Edition)

Question: Why are the Indians players laughing on the cover of Sports Illustrated?  Answer: Even they can't believe the magazine picked them to win the World Series. -- Stan, Parma

I believe it's because someone off camera said the 2015 pennant chase would draw as much fan interest as the Browns logo unveiling.

Bud: It seems (the PD) isn't aware of who reads Spin. Ergo, the advertisement for a Porsche Panamera 4 lease for 27 months at $949 per month and $5,727.74 down. This may be fine for you West Park elites, but for those of us with glass block windows in our basement abodes, weekly RTA passes are a stretch. -- Jerry Winchell

Don't sell Spin readers short. Some have even been known to use "ergo."

Bud: Who is more likely to win a major next, Tiger or Sergio Garcia? - Richie V.

Based on what I've seen lately, I'd have to say Andy Garcia.

Hey Bud: There was a HUGE sigh of relief from stand-up comics when the NFL announced the Browns wouldn't lose any draft choices. Who else benefits? -- Ralph E.Boy

You Said It contributors and their many therapists.

Hey Bud: Who's going to be calling the plays during the four games Ray Farmer is suspended? -- John

First-time You Said It winners find pay dirt.

Bud: For strict compliance, will Ray Farmer just follow Mike Holmgren's old schedule while he's suspended? -- Michael Sarro

Repeat winners never take a day off.

Shapiro tweeted out photos from inside Progressive Field, showing off the newest spots.

Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and LeBron James charted their path together during a morning shootaround at UCLA on Jan. 15.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- While Cavaliers coach David Blatt was surrounded by a horde of media, answering for things like his team's six-game losing streak and rumblings that he'd lost his players' attention, a separate meeting was taking place about 50 feet away.

There, in an old, auxiliary gym on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles, stood LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Kyrie Irving in a cordial but pointed discussion.

It was Jan. 15, and the Cavs were supposed to play the Lakers that night. James had just returned from two weeks off due to injury, but Cleveland lost his first game back in Phoenix on Jan. 13.

It was obvious that James, Love and Irving weren't discussing dinner plans, though they never disclosed what was said or why. All that was known was that Cleveland's Big Three went out that night and carried the team to victory, kicking off what would be a season-transforming, 12-game winning streak.

"Everyone was asking 'what were you guys talking about,'" Irving said recently, in an exclusive interview with Northeast Ohio Media Group. "It was like 'guys, we go as far as we take us. We have great guys on our team, but the end all, when the game's on the line, they're going to be looking to us three. And we've got to be able to make plays.'

"'It doesn't matter if you take a terrible shot, a bad shot, a good shot, it's all our shot.' And that was the gist of the conversation."

Irving said that meeting was a turning point for the Cavs, who were 19-20 when it took place and since are an NBA-best 28-7.

Irving was speaking to Northeast Ohio Media Group about the evolution of his relationship with James -- a season-long process of developing trust, integrating talents into one system and becoming friends off the court.

How Irving, James, and Love would come together as Cleveland's Big Three was a major storyline coming into the season, and has remained one with the public uneasiness at times between James and Love over the past two months.

James had just come from Miami, where he had teamed with contemporaries Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to lead the Heat to four Finals appearances and two championships. Outsiders were quick to draw comparisons between James' two teams.

"I don't want to compare it to Miami, but I feel like the dynamic that we have of me and (James) and K-Love is totally different from him, D-Wade, and Bosh," Irving said. "We all have our own journeys, we all come from different things and we all had a lot to learn. Coming in we all knew we had a lot to learn. On the court, we had to just find a way where all of us just play our games. And just play how we want to play."

Irving said the UCLA talk was a culmination of those realizations. In Cleveland's 109-102 win that night, James led Cleveland with 36 points and five assists. Irving added 22 points and three assists.

Love chimed in with 17 points and seven rebounds, but was clearly favoring his back for much of the game -- to the point where he was barely walking to and from the bench during timeouts.

But Love managed to play 37 minutes and took a charge late. Perhaps the morning chat with James and Irving at his alma mater at something to do with it.

"We said we trust each other enough where we're going to have to be closer right now, at this moment," Irving said. "And since that game when LeBron came back from the back (and knee injuries), we've been great. The relationships have just gotten a lot better, because now we're open dialogue and we say what's on our mind. Film room, practice, games, come to the bench, everyone's talking. It's a great environment to be a part of."

Cleveland Indian Joe Charboneau played only one full season. But he remains one of the team's most beloved players. He recounts the legends of the past and how he plans to make contact with a beer keg at Hofbrauhaus Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Let's get something straight right off the bat.

Cleveland Indians legend Joe Charboneau will be tapping a keg at Hofbrauhaus Cleveland on April 9 (the day before the Indians' home opener against the Detroit Tigers).

He will not be using his eye socket.

"You know, I only opened a beer bottle one time with my eye socket, back when I was in college -- it was a bit uncomfortable," says Charboneau, 59. "But that story followed me the rest of my career."

The eye-socket feat is one of many yarns in The Legend of Joe Charboneau. There are countless others, like how he once pulled an aching tooth and even fixed his broken nose with some whiskey and a pair of pliers. Or how he used to eat cigarettes. Or how he drank beer through his nose with a straw. 

"That stuff was all exaggerated," says Charboneau. "And the stories seemed to get bigger and bigger as we traveled from town to town in my rookie season."

Joe Charboneau played only one full season, but the Legend of Joe Charboneau lives on.Topps 

Perhaps, but the stories  helped make the Avon Lake resident one of the most beloved Indians of all time, even if he only played one full season -- 1980, when he won the American  League Rookie of the Year award. He took the league by storm that year, hitting 23 home runs and driving 87, with a .289 batting average.

But Charboneau was a longshot to even make the team. Still, he kept on swinging , tallying hits in his first seven plate appearances in spring training.

His out-of-nowhere success became the talk of camp. His stabbing added to the talk.

"We were in Mexico when this crazy guy comes up to me and stabs me," recalls Charboneau.

Legend has it that the guy was a fan, with varying accounts regarding the weapon, from a pen knife to a pen to Bic lighter. Charboneau remembers him as a crazy guy who had escaped an institution and went on a stabbing spree.

"The guy also stabbed someone from the French consulate," he says. "It was crazy."

The man was arrested and fined 50 pesos... That's $2.27 for all you currency traders.

The rib injury didn't stop Charboneau, who kept on hitting  all the way to the big leagues. He had one of the greatest debuts in baseball history, hitting a three-run homer, a double, single and walking in his four plate appearances. The Tribe demolished the Toronto Blue Jays 8-1.

The overnight success earned him the nickname "Super Joe."  There was even a song penned for him, "Go Joe Charboneau":

"Who's the newest guy in town? Go Joe Charboneau.

Turns the ballpark upside down. Go Joe Charboneau.

Who do we appreciate? Go Joe Charboneau.

Fits right in with the other eight? Go Joe Charboneau.

Who's the one to keep our hopes alive? Go Joe Charboneau.

Straight from the 7th to the  pennant drive? Go Joe Charboneau.

Raise your glass, let out a cheer. Go Joe Charboneau.

For Cleveland's Rookie of the Year. Go Joe Charboneau."

"I was so blessed to come to Cleveland," says Charboneau. "It was such a great fit for me, and the city has always been so nice to me."

Charboneau brought some color to Indians fans who had endured decades of, at best, mediocre teams. For many years, that was all fans had to look forward to -- guys like Gaylord Perry, the pitcher renowned for throwing the spitball. Or Oscar Gamble, the outfielder with the outrageous Afro.

"Oscar didn't play for the Indians when I was there, but I played against him," says Charboneau. "That Afro was amazing -- it was so big that he had to use bobby pins to keep his hat from falling off."

Charboneau was also renowned for having unruly hair, which he dyed different colors.

"I wish I still had my hair," he says with a laugh. "You know, there were a lot of cool guys on those teams back then.

"Baseball players always seemed to be able to have a little more flamboyance than other sports," he adds. "It's a team sport, but it's more of an individual sport than, say, football."

Charboneau continues to work with the Cleveland Indians as a team ambassador, along with former teammate Len Barker. He also works for Masters of Disaster, an area clean-up company.

"I never made that much money playing baseball," says Charboneau, whose career was cut short due to injuries. He only played one full season, and struggled through parts of two more before hanging up his glove in 1982.

He got paid $21,000 in 1980.

Charboneau's story was almost turned into a movie.

"There was a script floating around and Disney was interested, but nothing came of it," he says.

No problem, says Charboneau.

"I'm thankful that I got to play and be in a city that has been so great to me," he says. "I still get excited when baseball season is about to start, the same way as when I was a little kid."

That's not to say that he has been taking batting, er, I mean, mallet practice for Thursday's pre-game whack, when he steps up to the plate at Hofbrauhaus. But he is confident.

"I'm going to go up there and hit the keg with this big mallet," he says. "It's pretty cool, but the beer can fly out all over the place if you don't do it just right."

If the beer does go flying, it won't be intentional, adds Charboneau. And there will be no nose drinking.

The keg tapping will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Hofbrauhaus is located at 1550 Chester Avenue, Cleveland. For more info, go to hofbrauhauscleveland.com or call 216-621-2337.

Bryn Forbes, who began his college basketball career at Cleveland State, is now a key component in Michigan State's run to the Final Four in Indianapolis.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The change was hard, but the reward has been worth it for former Cleveland State guard Bryn Forbes. This weekend he will be playing with the Michigan State Spartans in the Final Four in Indianapolis.

To be sure, among the plethora of changes every season, this is what all the transfers hope for. But Forbes is the rare one who has worked through the transition and is now playing in the national spotlight.

"Once I got comfortable, and started getting my flow, I feel great now, real confident in myself right now," Forbes told The Plain Dealer by phone earlier this week.

Forbes, the Vikings leading scorer after his sophomore season averaging 15.6 points a game, requested a transfer to go back to his Lansing, Michigan home to be with his son, Carter, and with his older sister who is battling Lyme disease.

Several times during his two-year CSU career, Forbes would have to return home for brief periods as his sister's illness would flare up and she would be hospitalized. He also became a father in 2013. So he requested a release from CSU, and was allowed to play immediately by the NCAA instead of sitting the customary transfer season.

It has become the best of all worlds for the sharp-shooting Forbes, who is now with family, playing alongside his best friend, Denzell Valentine, and at the nearby Michigan State.

"It has been a dream come true," Forbes said. "Everything is going pretty well. Carter is talking and walking. He's 18 months now. My sister is doing a lot better. Things are good at home. Things have worked out well, absolutely."

Things have also worked out well with the Spartans, as the end has been much better than the beginning.

"I saw us hitting our stride as a team going into the Big Ten Tournament,'' the 6-3, 175-pound Forbes said. "Personally, the Big Ten Tournament is also when I started getting back into my flow.''

While he was back home this season, close to family and playing with friends, there was still an adjustment for Forbes to make.

"The intensity of some games, and the intensity of the coaches. I've never played for a coach like Coach (Tom) Izzo, as intense as him. I don't think the physicality was too much of a difference.

There are some bigger guys, you're going against a 7-footer every other night, but other than that, not a lot of difference there.''

Getting in step with how Coach Izzo wanted things done was not initially easy. One would think that with CSU coach Gary Waters and Izzo both being strong on defense, it would be an easy adjustment. But Forbes did not find that to be the case.

Just as good offensive coaches can have vastly different systems, the same is true defensively.

"The defensive part actually was tough, because it's two different systems, two different principles,'' Forbes said. "I had to re-learn a lot of things, even some of the defensive plays. It's tough when you have been at a place for two years, then have to re-learn everything. It's like being in freshman mode all over again.

"But once I caught on, things settled down and I got back to where I was. I don't feel like a newcomer anymore, I don't feel like a new guy.''

That has shown on the court. Forbes is averaging nearly half of his CSU scoring production at 8.7 points on the season, but still shooting nearly the same percentage, 43.5 percent on 3-pointers. And he has  been particularly hot in NCAA Tournament play.

The baby faced guard has made 12-of-24 attempts overall in the four tournament games, and 9-of-17 on 3-pointers.

"I had to get by that mental barrier, stop thinking about shots and just start taking shots,'' Forbes said. "Trying to fit into a new system, a new team, that was hard, but it has paid off."

Carlton Bragg will be the sixth player from Northeast Ohio to compete in the game.

CHICAGO -- On Wednesday, Villa Angela-St. Joseph senior Carlton Bragg will compete in the McDonald's All-American Game. He will be the sixth boys basketball player from Northeast Ohio to ever play in the game.

Note: Reporter David Cassilo will be at Wednesday's McDonald's All-American Game. Join him for a live blog Wednesday night.

Here's a look back at the five local players that preceded Bragg in the event:

2003

LeBron James, St. Vincent-St. Mary

James got to play in front of his hometown fans, as the 2003 game was played at Gund Arena. The Irish senior did not disappoint, as he head 27 points, seven rebounds and seven assists on his way to winning the game's MVP award. Since then, James has had two stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and won two NBA titles with the Miami Heat.

2001

Jawad Williams, St. Edward

Williams got to play just down the road from his future school (North Carolina) at Cameron Indoor Stadium on the campus of Duke University. Williams broke his nose in the third quarter and had to leave the game, but had 11 points for the West team. He was part of the Tar Heels team that won the 2005 national title. After graduating, he played professionally overseas and had a few brief stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

1987

Treg Lee, Villa Angela-St. Joseph

Before heading down to Ohio State, Lee made a trip to Philadelphia for the McDonald's All-American Game, which was celebrating its 10th anniversary. After his time with the Buckeyes, Lee played in the CBA and spent time overseas.

1985

Jerome Lane, St. Vincent-St. Mary

The Irish star got to make the trip down to Dallas for his selection to the McDonald's All-American Game. Shortly after, he would begin a career at the University of Pittsburgh, where he would have one of the most famous dunks in college basketball history ("Send it in, Jerome!"). He was selected in the first round of the 1985 NBA draft and played for the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers.

1979

Clark Kellogg, Villa Angela-St. Joseph

The McDonald's All-American Game was only two years old when Kellogg was selected to head to Charlotte, N.C. His group is considered by some to be the best ever, as it also included James Worthy, Isiah Thomas, Dominique Wilkins and Ralph Sampson among others. Kellogg would play at Ohio State and then briefly in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers before knee issues forced him to retire.

Contact high school sports reporter David Cassilo by email (dcassilo@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@dcassilo). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

"His value, to pull him away from that group, I don't know if you've noticed but the whole offense has gone to him before they take the field for the last three years. I can't change that right now," Urban Meyer said about Ed Warinner. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ed Warinner is still a Slob.

With a capital "S", that's a term of endearment.

It means that Warinner, who was promoted to Ohio State's offensive coordinator and play caller after Tom Herman left for the head coaching job at Houston, is still just as much a part of Ohio State's offensive line as he was before he got the call-up.

"I'm the head of them, I'm an honorary Slob, but I'm also trying to lose 10 pounds," Warinner said. "They're all trying to gain their weight. They're human garbage disposals -- 8,000 calories a day and they look pretty good doing it. If I had to keep up with them I would have to wear a XXXXL."

Warinner doesn't have to keep up with the offensive line's eating habits. He just needs to be there for them on the field.

Herman spent his three years as the Buckeyes' offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach and play caller up in the coaches' booth. Warinner, who still retained his duties as Ohio State's offensive line coach, will remain on the sideline.

"I went through that thought process," Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said. "His value, to pull him away from that group, I don't know if you've noticed but the whole offense has gone to him before they take the field for the last three years. I can't change that right now."

Why ruin a good thing?

It's not as if being up in the coaches booth is a vital part of calling the shots.

"The good thing is the way we call plays around here, it's not a dictatorship," Meyer said. 

New quarterbacks coach Tim Beck will likely be up there to help be the eyes and ears above the field. Meyer and Warinner will be on the sideline, just like they always have been.

"We talk and make our adjustments," Warinner said. "We'll be good with that. I knew that was the way we wanted to go and I don't see that changing."

Changing it would mean taking Warinner away from the offensive line, and taking those players out of their comfort zone. Warinner's in-game adjustments were a major part of what made Ohio State's offensive line make the jump from a struggling group of inexperienced players to a championship-caliber unit.

Buckeyes left tackle Taylor Decker said Warinner often uses the big video board at Ohio Stadium to watch a replay and quickly make adjustments on the fly. Those are messages he wouldn't be able to relay if he was up in the booth.

"He'll make little adjustments that he sees, and we'll pop through for big plays," Decker said. "He's just critical out there." 

Warinner's work nearly landed him a head coaching gig at Kansas this year, and he interviewed for the job at Army after the 2013 season.

Instead Ohio State kept him on the staff, and is keeping him on the field.

"It's invaluable. I can't tell you enough," left guard Billy Price said. "That was one of the concerns we talked about. He's the guy, he's the eyes and ears off the field on the sideline. If we didn't have him, per se, like Alabama week, it's a different story. And he's an understanding voice, he knows what the defense is doing, and he understands it offensive-line wise. So to be up top ... it's not the same."

Still, there will inevitably be some change.

Warinner is now responsible for how the entire offense operates, which takes some of his time away from the offensive line. That leaves players like Decker, or right tackle Chase Farris, to help mentor the younger offensive linemen when the Buckeyes run team drills during practice.

But in the offensive line meeting room, Warinner is still the same. He's still a perfectionist.

"If you were in our meetings you would see he's still gonna have that expectation," Decker said. "It's hard to swallow that pill sometimes because you're never gonna catch a break, but as a player that's a good thing. You don't want to hear those things, but you need to. He's they type of guy who can take you places you can't take yourself."

One look around the NBA and it's easy to see a new position has taken over the league: Point guard.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- One look around the NBA and it's easy to see a new position has taken over the league: Point guard.

It's reflected in the NBA MVP race with Golden State's Stephen Curry, Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul of the Clippers all making a strong claim to take home the hardware. It was reflected at the trade deadline when the Miami Heat went all-in on underappreciated Goran Dragic and when the Bucks tweaked their roster, targeting supersized point guard Michael Carter-Williams.

The transition from big to little started years ago and with Steve Nash retiring this season, there are new talents lining up to take the torch from the two-time MVP.

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving is one. The three-time All-Star is averaging 21.9 points on 46 percent shooting, including 40 percent from three-point range to go along with 5.2 assists and a newfound effort on the defensive end of the floor.

He has two 50-plus point performances, single-handedly leading the team to wins against San Antonio and Portland. Thanks to the leadership and guidance of teammate LeBron James, Irving has also learned what it takes to not just be a dazzling offensive dynamo, but a winner as well.  

Yet because of the stiff competition Irving checks in at No. 9, lower than expected, in ESPN.com's latest rankings.

The 30 starting point guards were graded in four weighted categories -- leadership, defense, shooting/scoring and playmaking/passing -- by a diverse panel, before receiving an overall grade.

Paul, the feisty leader for Los Angeles, still holds down the top spot, nearly two full points ahead of Irving.

Here is ESPN's top 10 list:

1. Paul

2. Curry

3. Westbrook

4. John Wall, Washington Wizards

5. Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies

6. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

7. Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors

8. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs

9. Irving

10. Jeff Teague, Atlanta Hawks

For the rest of the rankings, click here

James calling plays

There are two weeks remaining in the regular season and the relationship between James and head coach David Blatt continues to evolve. The hottest team in the NBA since Jan. 15, Blatt has pushed the right buttons, made the pieces fit seamlessly and has contributed to the latest run...or has he?

ESPN's Brian Windhorst joined Bill Simmons on his "B.S. Report" podcast this week and revealed that Blatt may not be running the offense all the time.

"The Princeton offense that David Blatt installed in the preseason, they just threw that out. What typically happens, and this has been happening for like three months now, is LeBron will take the ball and LeBron will call the play. David Blatt will see what play LeBron calls, and he will repeat it to the team. That happens on a regular basis."

Timofey Mozgov: Playoff X factor

The Cavs had tried for months to pry Mozgov away from the Denver Nuggets. Unsuccessful in the off-season, the team revisited talks in early January and finally acquired their targeted big man for a pair of first-round picks.

Some scoffed at the cost, but the Cavaliers are getting the last laugh. Needing a true center after Anderson Varejao suffered a season-ending injury, Mozgov has become the linchpin of the defense, raising the level of play on that end of the floor while also contributing 9.7 points and 7.4 rebounds.

As the postseason approaches, Mozgov is a player to watch, according to Athlon Sports.

"If there was an annual award for 'best role player,' Mozgov would be in contention for this season's trophy. The Russian center has filled huge dividends since coming over from the Denver Nuggets in a winter trade. Cleveland needed someone who'd be happy to do dirty work down low on defense, and act as a screen-setting pylon on offense -- and to be okay without the ball in his hands very often. Mozgov has more than risen to that task, as the Cavs have thrived with him in the lineup as their thunderous, selfless tree." 

More Cavs links

NBA MVP 2015: Chris Haynes' Top 4 candidates (cleveland.com)

Kevin Love is needed in the postseason (ESPN.com)

Cavs enjoying much-needed rest after grueling schedule (Ohio.com)

Cleveland's offense is title-ready (Bleacher Report)

NBA links

Kevin Durant would like his jersey retired in Oklahoma City (ESPN.com)    

Anthony Davis says James Harden is the MVP (CBS Sports)

Russell Westbrook opens up (SI.com) 

Cleveland State has decided to defund wrestling and add men's lacrosse. Is it making the right move?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland State has decided to defund its wrestling team and replace it with men's lacrosse, one of the fastest growing team sports in the country. The school announced this week it will defund wrestling after the 2015-16 season.

CSU officials are leaving it up to the team and its supporters to raise $800,000 to keep the program going for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons. By the end of the 2018 season, a $5 million endowment will be needed to give the program permanent status, according to athletic director John Parry.

Greater Cleveland has long been known as a hotbed of wrestling participation and talent, and CSU has produced eight All-Americans and two Olympians. Lacrosse is growing in the area, but few area players receive Division I scholarships. Cleveland State is to become the second NCAA Division I men's lacrosse team in Ohio in 2016, along with Ohio State.

NCAA Division I wrestling has been shrinking for decades. Since 1977, the number of NCAA Division I wrestling programs has dropped from 146 to 77. There are 69 Division I men's lacrosse teams.

Is Cleveland State making the right move?

Vote in our poll, and share your thoughts in the comment section below.

A second white-tailed deer in Ohio has tested positive for chronic wasting disease this week at the same deer farm and hunting preserve in Holmes County as the first one on Oct. 22.

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As state officials try to legally force Holmes County deer farmer Daniel Yoder to euthanize a herd of expensive white-tailed deer, a second deer has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD) on Yoder's properties near Millersburg.

The first positive test ever for CWD in Ohio was from a deer killed Oct. 22 at Yoder's hunting preserve, World Class Whitetails. The second positive result came a few days ago while testing another Yoder deer that had died.

The National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa confirmed the results.

"It has always been a case of not if, but when another deer would test positive on those properties," said Communications Director Erica Hawkins of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. "This wasn't unexpected. We expected to find positives at his facilities and, with de-population, we expect to find more."

Yoder's two breeding farms and hunting preserve were quarantined a year ago after it was discovered an infected Pennsylvania deer had been shipped there. It has become common for the breeding and hunting operations to ship deer to other states.

In Ohio, the ODA manages captive deer herds. The Ohio Division of Wildlife manages the wild deer herd.

Breeding large-antlered deer to supply the fenced deer-hunting operations has become a booming business. The price for a deer sporting trophy antlers can range from a few thousands dollars to more than $50,000.

Because the disease is highly contagious and almost impossible to eradicate, Yoder's breeding farms and fenced deer hunting operation was shut down and all deer 12 months and older that die on the properties were required to be tested for CWD, regardless of the circumstances, said Hawkins.

While CWD has become a major problem in Wisconsin and many western states, Yoder's captive deer have been the only Ohio animals to test positive for the always-fatal brain disease. CWD is found in the wild, but spreads far more quickly among crowded herds of captive deer or elk.

The ODOW constantly tests road-killed deer and deer killed by hunters for the disease. Because of the positive test in Holmes County, wildlife officials focused on deer harvested from that area during the recent hunting seasons.

The disease is related to mad cow disease, but has never been contracted by humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The ODOW reported last fall at least two deer had escaped from Yoder's farms and were killed by sport hunters. There have also been other instances of deer escaping from fenced hunting operations around state.

Hawkins said discussions are still underway to determine the best way to eliminate the herd because of the high cost of destruction and disposal of the deer.

"A lot of questions still need to be answered," Hawkins said. "This is the first situation like this in Ohio."

Yoder was charged in Holmes County Common Pleas Court on Feb. 25 with two counts of tampering with evidence, reported the Wooster Daily Record. Yoder had given a customer packages of venison obtained from a doe after the trophy buck he had killed appeared to be ill. The customer received the antlers, but Yoder disposed of the buck's head and carcass without performing the required tests, charged ODA enforcement agent William Lesho.

Three West Virginia hunters had paid to kill three deer on the preserve on another date and the required samples of the deer were not collected. In order to determine if a deer has CWD, the brain or brain stem must be tested.

David Blatt is recognized as the NBA's Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for March.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Cleveland Cavaliers Head Coach David Blatt was named the March Coach of the Month for the Eastern Conference.

It is the first time he has won the award. He led the Cavaliers to an 11-4 record in the month and orchestrated an offense that produced 107.0 points and a defense that gave up only 97.9 points.

The Cavaliers went 5-0 at The Q and are currently riding a 16-game home winning streak.

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr took home the award for the Western Conference. Both coaches are NBA rookie coaches.

Ironically, Kerr attempted to lure Blatt onto his bench as one of his top assistants last summer before Blatt was presented with the Cleveland offer. It appears everything worked out for both parties.

How bad are things for the Cleveland Browns? So bad, that even the world-class band geeks at the Cleveland Orchestra make fun of them with April Fools' posts on Facebook. All in good fun, of course.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- How bad are things for the Cleveland Browns? So bad, that even the world-class band geeks at the Cleveland Orchestra make fun of them with April Fools' posts on Facebook. All in good fun, of course.

The April Fools' joke was the brainchild of Justin Holden, the Cleveland Orchestra's new director of public relations. It was all done in good fun, he says, the orchestra's way of having a little fun with the Browns' subtle, but much hyped, changes in the team's helmet logo.

"The April Fools' post is an annual tradition for us," says Holden. "Last year, we did one about Beethoven and the year before that we put up a post about hosting a PDQ Bach festival."

Beethoven. Bach. And the Browns. Quite an alliterative trio.

Holden, who started work at the orchestra on Jan. 5, grew up in Vermont and admits to a fondness for the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. But even that has its limits.

"I'm not into sports at all, actually," he says. "But we've had a really positive response from this joke. Everyone seems to be enjoying it and that's good."