Joe Vardon The Chronicle-Telegram On any other night, being that close to Grady Sizemore and not getting so much as an autograph would’ve been a major downer. Meeting and greeting the Indians’ popular center fielder was high on the Keystone softball team’s to-do list, but it wasn’t going to make or break its Tuesday evening. The Wildcats were invited to Jacobs Field along with the Strongsville and Walsh Jesuit baseball teams and the North Canton-Hoover softball team for winning state championships in their respective sports. Keystone captured its second state title in Division II earlier this month. Each team was granted early admission to the park, invited onto the field and given tickets for the Indians’ game against the Chicago Cubs. Wildcats coach Jim Piazza and coaches from the other three schools threw out ceremonial first pitches. Keystone’s girls were hopeful for a signed baseball or program from Sizemore, but had to settle for a simple wave and “hello.” The girls were told they’d get to meet the Indians heartthrob at a later date. But Sizemore or no Sizemore, the Wildcats enjoyed every moment of their major-league experience. “Getting to come to the Indians game was awesome,” sophomore utility player Amanda Jones said. “Grady was just icing on the cake. We didn’t meet him, but we still got to see him play up close.” Indians manager Eric Wedge spoke to all four teams behind Cleveland’s dugout before batting practice. Drawing comparisons to his own struggling ballclub, Wedge’s message was to set goals, live in the moment and to understand that hard work does not guarantee immediate success. “Whether it is baseball, softball or life, it’s a long haul,” Wedge said. “Things don’t always work out on your timetable, but if you stay consistent and make good decisions I promise you’ll have a happy, successful life.” Wedge’s speech appeared to be well-received by his young audience. “(The speech) made me think about a lot of things,” senior outfielder Lauren Johnson said. “It was pretty much the truth and it was motivational.” The athletes were free to watch batting practice and ask for autographs following Wedge’s address. They marched through the gate in left field prior to the game and paraded around home plate, where each team was recognized for its achievements. Senior star pitcher Kristie Malinkey, who recorded the first perfect game in state finals history and will throw out the first pitch at a later Indians game, was in awe when she set foot on Jacobs Field’s dirt warning track. “You can only imagine what it’s like,” said Malinkey, who will pitch at Butler University next year. “When you’re standing at the door waiting to come out, it’s like, ‘Wow.’ It looks a lot bigger up close than it does on TV.” Piazza was the last of the four coaches to throw a pitch to backup infielder Joe Inglett. Piazza’s offering seemed inside and low to a right-handed hitter, but the jovial coach argued the pitch would’ve been a good one in a game situation. “He would’ve chased it,” Piazza said. The Wildcats laughed and hugged as they were escorted off the field. They never got to meet Sizemore, but they were told it might happen one day soon because of an acquaintance shared by Piazza and Sizemore. Even if that chance rendezvous never comes, the girls’ memory banks are filled to the brim. “Being able to experience all of this with the team has been truly awesome,” Malinkey said. “This is one last time we can all be together before people depart and go their separate ways. It’s a good memory to have.”