Cleveland Cavaliers great Mark Price knows what it is like to get overlooked in favor of bigger stars or more glamorous teams, so it is no wonder why the 2024 Guardians have caught his eye during the MLB playoffs. The former All-NBA guard reacted to the ballclub’s rip-roaring victory against the New York Yankees by breaking out a fitting and classic reference.
“Guardians Win!!!! Stayin Alive!” he posted on X, along with an image of the three brothers (Maurice, Barry and Robin Gibb) who formed the popular disco band, the Bee Gees. Their hit 1977 song, which Price mentions, perfectly describes what David Fry, Jhonkensy “Big Christmas” Noel and the rest of this small-market squad were able to accomplish on Thursday night in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series.
Cleveland found itself on the brink of disaster after elite closer Emmanuel Clase imploded in the eighth inning to give the Yankees full momentum. Desperation soon set in for manager Stephen Vogt, who employed Noel as a pinch-hitter with two outs in the ninth inning in the hopes that the young slugger could tie the game with one big swing. He did just that, much to the delight and surprise of the entire city.
All-Star utility man and purveyor of postseason magic David Fry capped off the late comeback with a headline-making home run of his own in the bottom of the 10th inning. With the improbable 7-5 walk-off win, the Guardians now only trail the Yankees 2-1 in the ALCS. They are alive and well, at least for now. Those who have a connection with Cleveland, including Mark Price, cannot help but feel drawn to this team’s fighting spirit.
Guardians are uniting Cleveland after Game 3 thriller
The 6-foot guard and No. 25 pick in the 1986 NBA Draft obviously possessed loads of talent, most notably his sensational shooting stroke (40.2 percent from 3-point range and 90.4 percent from free throw line), but he also displayed a fair amount of tenacity during his nine-year run with the Cavs. The Guardians are looking to concoct their own delectable combination of ability and grit in the remainder of this suddenly interesting ALCS.
Price’s social media post is more appropriate than maybe he even realizes. The Disco Era, which both the Bee Gees and “Stayin’ Alive” are synonymous with, provided people with some much-needed fun and good vibes during a divisive time in our country. Cleveland is trying to do the same in the 2024 MLB playoffs.
The Guardians can only hope that they do not suffer the same fate that disco did. They will do their best to survive the seemingly superior Yankees and even up the series in Game 4. Mark Price and the Cavs community will continue to rally behind their persistent neighbors.
