With the World Series starting, I am getting wistful, thinking back to the fun I had this summer with the Cleveland Indians.

When Hot in Cleveland went to Cleveland for the premiere of the second half of Season 2, I had the honor of throwing out the first pitch for the Cleveland Indians - Pittsburgh Pirates game. The game turned out to be quite the celebration, as the whole Vitale clan came out to celebrate an early 50th birthday for both my new husband, Tom and my dear brother, David. 

Though I may be able to put a spiral on a football, I cannot throw a curveball, and my fast ball is, well, slow. I was worried about throwing the ball 60-feet, 6-inches, let alone getting it anywhere near the vicinity of my catcher - Sandy Alomar, Jr. - even if he considered a future Hall-of-Famer. Oh, and I had to do this in front of a packed ballpark with a team that was on a hot streak. I didn't want to embarass myself or jinx the Indians.

As Tom, Wolfie and I walked down onto the field, I could feel the electricity mounting. Tom was over-the-moon: Here he was standing on the field with his favorite team. I kept saying, "Can you believe we're actually here in the dugout?" It was so wonderful to be there, sharing that moment with my husband, my son and his darling girlfriend, Olivia.

Here's my photo album from the game!

For good luck, Tom gave me his own Indians ball cap from Cleveland's playoff run in the 1990s - and the Indians made a custom "home" jersey for me with a very special number: 316, which is Wolfie's birthday. Looking out at the packed stands, knowing my in-laws, my parents and my step-children were all up in the party suite watching, I came up with an idea. Instead of throwing out the pitch, I'd "steal home" and give Sandy a big hug (and maybe a little peck on the cheek). 

I asked Sandy if that was OK with him: "Can I give you a hug instead of throwing the ball?"

"You can do whatever you want!" he said. I think Tom was a little jealous - but I don't know if he was jealous of Sandy or me!

"I was giving him instructions on how to hug my wife," Tom recalled. "Actually, Sandy's a hero in my eyes. I was just in heaven being down on the field with him."

When the announcer called out my name, I tipped my cap and ran out onto the field. I felt like a real "Hall of Famer" - I was so nervous. My family was up on the second tier watching me. The fans were going wild, cheering my name. I know I am on television each week, in a show that millions of people enjoy, but I was SO nervous standing there on the pitcher's mound, sizing up the plate and getting ready for Sandy to catch me!

I wound up, and took off running to Sandy who gave me a great big hug. He's such a sweetheart - and very handsome - I even got him to autograph my game ball. The Cleveland Indians owner said it was the first time someone had ever done that on the first pitch - and the crowd roared its approval. It must've worked pretty well because the Indians went on to beat the Pirates in a very exciting game!

My Indians didn't make it into the playoffs, so now my thoughts are turning to the Browns, the Saints and football season, but I think I share the sentiments of true fans everywhere when I say, "Wait till next year!"