Despite being arguably the city of Cleveland's best hope for a world championship within the next two years, the Indians still suffer from a 90's hangover at the Jacobs Field ticket office.  Even marketable new stars like Travis Hafner, Grady Sizemore and others did not translate into box office success late last year as the young Indians made their playoff push (and inevitable collapse).  As the team prepares to do battle with the American League amid an aggressive 2006 game day promotional plan, here are some ideas that CRS has discovered were scrapped from the drawing board before they could see the light of day.

Albert Belle Corked Bat Day

Was scheduled for May 2nd vs. the White Sox.  The premise: The first 5,000 fans under 16 would receive an official replica of one of Belle's corked bats from the mid 90's.  Who wouldn't want to impress their friends with super-natural bat speed and Barry Bonds-esque home runs?  One lucky fan would receive a bat with a GPS device installed inside.  Once identified, the fan would then be moved to the Home Run Porch where the Indians LF that day fires baseballs at his or her chest between innings.

10-Cent Beer Night Reprisal

Was scheduled for June 4th vs. the Angels.  The premise:  On the 22nd anniversary of the original, the Indians offer a modern-day reprisal of one of the most famous (infamous?) game-day promotions in baseball history.  Adjusted for inflation, beers to be sold for $.89 (still $5.11 below current prices).  Pittsburgh Steelers LB James Harrison arranged to be on hand to body slam any fan running onto the field during the game, Nathan Mallett-style.

Playoff Push Charity Fundraiser

Was scheduled for July 3rd versus the Yankees.  The premise:  Just in time for the trading deadline, all Indians fans and corporate sponsors encouraged (expected?) to donate money to Larry Dolan and the Indians to allow the team to acquire a player for the stretch run.  Modeled after a public television pledge drive, obligated Indians players, coaches and broadcasters to man the phones in between innings while Tribe fans dream of who might be the next Jeff Juden, John Smiley or Bip Roberts.