Charlie Sheen brings 'Wild Thing' persona to Game 7 in Cleveland

(Photo: Michael Singer, USA TODAY Sports)

CLEVELAND – At the beginning of the World Series there was a sizable social media push to have Charlie Sheen throw out the first pitch in Cleveland.

And though that didn’t materialize, a plan was finalized late Tuesday night to do the next best thing; get Sheen to Game 7.

Sheen, better known in these parts as cult figure Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn from the movie Major League, arrived in Cleveland in midafternoon on Wednesday about four hours before first pitch.

Donning an Indians hat, Sheen promised he had his trademark "Wild Thing" glasses, but he wouldn’t put them on until game time. He also brought a superstitious “Jobu” doll from the movie.

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“I brought this guy, so the Cubs are in serious trouble,” Sheen joked.

He was asked what sort of advice his character would give the Indians heading into Game 7, and Sheen turned back the clock.

“Act like it’s Game 7,” he said. “Embrace all those childhood fantasies and walkoff moments that you had as a child and bring them to tonight.”

A well-connected promoter and a group of local entrepreneurs with strong ties to the area played a huge role in getting him to the game. Both parties were working independently on the move before realizing their shared goal and collaborating. Together they felt it wasn’t right to have a Game 7 without Sheen in the house.

“(Major League) has been part of Cleveland folklore my whole life,” said Tony Madalone, owner of Cleveland T-shirt company Fresh Brewed Tees. Madalone says his company had T-shirt designs ready in case the Indians join the Cavaliers as local title winners.

“This is good for the culture because it’s fun,” said Bobby George, another Cleveland entrepreneur. “We’re not bringing him in because he’s a celebrity.”

Sheen’s mom is from Cleveland, and he said he’s been watching the Indians since June.

“In fact it was in the middle of that 14-game winning streak this year when I sparked up and I told a friend of mine there’s a darkhorse team in the AL,” he said. “Look out for Cleveland. And here we are.”