CLEVELAND _ Kenny Lofton made it to the World Series with the Indians in 1995.
But the former outfielder, who played in 95 career postseason games, almost didn't make it to the World Series this year.
Lofton was on standby for his flight to Cleveland to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday when a man gave up his seat so Lofton could make it.
The Indians rewarded Ken Kostal of Ohio with two tickets for Game 6 of the Series _ if necessary _ for his troubles.
His travel woes avoided, Lofton, who played 10 of his 17 seasons for the Indians and helped them to the postseason six times, could only smile before Game 2 on Wednesday.
Lofton also played for the Cubs when they advanced to the National League Championship Series in 2003 and grew up in the shadows of Chicago in East Chicago, Ind.
"I can't lose either way," Lofton said. "I came up in Cleveland, but man, this is great."
