Former Cleveland Indians outfielder Kenny Lofton throws the ceremonial first pitch before Game 1 of the Major League Baseball World Series against the Chicago Cubs Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Republished October 26, 2016 - 6:09 PM
Original Publication Date October 26, 2016 - 5:50 AM
MARBLEHEAD, Ohio - This was no ordinary bump from a flight.
A longtime Cleveland Indians fan is being given quite a reward after giving up his seat on a plane to make sure former outfielder Kenny Lofton arrived in time to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Game 1 of the World Series.
The Indians are giving Ken Kostal, of Marblehead, tickets to Game 6, and a team spokesman said United is giving Kostal 62,200 airline miles for future use. Lofton had 622 career stolen bases.
Kostal said he was waiting to board a delayed flight from Los Angeles to Cleveland early Tuesday when he recognized Lofton. When he overheard Lofton saying he wasn't sure he'd get a seat on the plane, Kostal offered his.
News from © The Associated Press, 2016