CLEVELAND, Oct. 21 (UPI) — Although he is one of the best-known pitchers in Cleveland Indians history, it looks like Ricky “The Wild Thing” Vaughn won’t get to throw out the ceremonial first pitch when the World Series begins Tuesday.
Vaughn had an up-and-down career in Cleveland beginning in the late 1980s and lasting through the mid-1990s. He was recruited by the Indians after excelling in the notorious California Penal League — which is probably where he developed his signature pitch, “The Terminator,” likely not out of a love for baseball, but to survive.
Vaughn, known for his sleeveless dress and buzzsaw haircut, led Cleveland to the postseason in his rookie season and capped a memorable playoff run five years later. Between the bookends of his career, he was a sophisticated product pitchman, active in a children’s charity and spent a string of slumps in the Indians pen before regaining his form.
But now, he won’t get the ultimate reward — opening for his former team in their first World Series since 1997. The Indians are going for their first title since 1948.
Never heard of the guy? Well, maybe it’s because he doesn’t really exist. Rick Vaughn is Charlie Sheen‘s comedic character in the films Major League and Major League II.
“If called upon, I’d be honored,” he tweeted Thursday.
Sheen, 51, had offered to throw out the first pitch, which generated a flurry of social media support for the idea — but the actor’s request has reportedly been denied by the Indians because they already have that duty filled by someone.
We will have to wait until 8 p.m. EDT Tuesday to find out who.
However, it may be for the best — if the Indians don’t want that first pitch to end up in some fan’s beer.
