CLEVELAND — For nine years Jason Kipnis always entered through the home clubhouse at Progressive Field when getting ready to suit up as a member of the Cleveland Indians. On Tuesday, that changed.
The two-time All-Star who joined the Chicago Cubs over the off-season returned to the ballpark he called home for his entire pro career on Tuesday prior to the Indians opening up a quick two-game series in Cleveland.
Kipnis, a Chicago native who grew up a Cubs fan, admitted his new teammates were giving him a hard time about the 2016 World Series in which Chicago overcame a 3-1 deficit to beat the Indians for the title.
Kipnis said Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo showed him everywhere he celebrated on the visiting side after Chicago won the World Series.
""I'm like, thanks buddy. I get it," Kipnis joked with the media.
Kipnis was also asked to compare playing alongside talented shortstops Francisco Lindor and Javy Báez. Kipnis joked in his response saying, "They’re both better at baseball than me.”
Kipnis, 33, will play second base on Tuesday night at Progressive Field and will bat ninth. Kipnis has gotten off to a solid start during the shortened MLB season hitting .375 with an OBP of .444 and 2 HR to go along with 4 RBI.
Note: You can watch Kipnis meet with the media via zoom in this post.