Lindor, the face of Cleveland, is everywhere during All-Star week

CLEVELAND – Francisco Lindor does not need a mirror this week. He merely needs to open his bedroom window to see his smiling face on a large banner. His image is actually all over downtown in banners, large and small.

The Indians’ slick, four-time All-Star adorns banners on light posts, hotels and restaurants in his adopted hometown. He’s also on several large billboards, including one along with the Angels’ Mike Trout behind right field at Progressive Field.

In case there was any doubt that Lindor is the face of the Cleveland Indians, the 2019 All-Star Game drives the point home emphatically. In many ways, the young Puerto Rican shortstop is the face of the Midsummer Classic.

“I was telling my agent earlier, ‘like, wow, this is insane,’” he said Monday. “This is a dream. To go from (being) a little kid in Puerto Rico to growing up and signing professionally and then having all these things, I’m not here by myself.

“A lot of people have helped me. My family, and my agent has been a big part of my career. It’s special that everywhere you look you see your face.”

Mr. Smile, as he is known throughout baseball, earned his fourth consecutive All-Star berth this year. He has missed the All-Star Game only once his career, failing to make the squad in 2015 when he played 99 games and finished second to fellow Puerto Rican Carlos Correa in the American League Rookie of the Year race.

As he has done every time he has earned an All-Star nod, Lindor called his older sister Legna first to break the news to her this year.

“She’s extremely special to me,” he said. “She’s the backbone of the family. I got to let her know as soon as I find out, ‘Hey, sister, we did it once again.’”

Lindor, 25, has embraced his role as host to the baseball world this week. Although he and the Indians had played in Cincinnati on Sunday afternoon, he rushed to the All-Star Summer Bash Gala at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Sunday evening.

He even went out to catch the ceremonial first pitch from Hall of Famer and Indians legend Jim Thome before the Home Run Derby Monday night.

“You think of Cleveland and you think of Frankie,” Indians closer Brad Hand said. “He’s the face of this team. He’s one of the best young players in this game, and we’re obviously very thankful he’s on our team.

“Just being able to watch him every single day, the kind of energy he brings to a team and the way he plays out there is just a lot of fun to watch.”

Lindor was up early on Monday to make several public appearances, including one at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, another for Pepsi and one for Smile Direct Club before heading to the Convention Center for the media session.

He headed to the Play Ball Park fan fest after the media session before joining the rest of the All-Stars for batting practice at Progressive Field.

“I think he’s the face of Cleveland,” Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman said. “He’s a very cheerful player. I think everybody would love to have him on their team because he plays baseball aggressively, cheerful and happy. I think it’s something good for baseball.”

Lindor is quite aware that a Puerto Rican member of the Indians earned the All-Star Game MVP Award the last time the Midsummer Classic.

Sandy Alomar Jr. garnered the All-Star Game MVP honors in 1997 after hitting what proved to be a game-winning, two-run home run in the seventh inning to beat the National League.

All of the American League’s runs were scored via home run by Boricuas that night. Edgar Martinez, who will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame later this month, opened the scoring with a home run at the 1997 Midsummer Classic.

Alomar capped the scoring in a moment that is still celebrated in Cleveland.

“We see Sandy’s moment every day in the scoreboard,” Lindor said. “They play it over and over every day. It looks pretty special, and I can’t wait to see what it’s going to be like.

“Sandy is always talking about how special people were and how the city put up a great event. As of right now the city has been amazing.”

Lindor is playing a major part in helping Cleveland shine during the All-Star week festivities. His fellow Boricuas are basking in his glow as well.

“I enjoy every Boricua’s achievement and every Latino’s achievement because it’s not easy to do what we do,” Twins All-Star José Berríos said. “It’s admirable. I recognize the hard work he does to be at the level he is. To see Lindor in every one of the billboards, well ,it’s an honor for me.”

Featured Image: Rob Tringali / Major League Baseball