Indians star Jason Kipnis has the best end-of-season treat for fans and more players should do it

Cleveland Indians fans are undoubtedly wishing their team was playing baseball right now, but after getting knocked out of the postseason in the first round by the Houston Astros, that’s not the case. At least their beloved star Jason Kipnis had a treat to help Indians fans start off their offseason a little bit better.

On Tuesday, Kipnis cleaned out his locker and completed a fan-centered initiative that’s become a fantastic annual tradition. He calls it his “Shoe Toss.” It’s so simple and so wonderful and creates so many smiling faces it makes you wonder why more players don’t do it.

Kipnis signed all of his shoes and some other gear he used during the 2018 season, then handed it out to fans who showed up outside Cleveland’s Progressive Field. It’s a well-known enough ritual by now that Kipnis drew a good amount of people despite announcing the details the day before.

Just look at the joy Kipnis’ “Shoe Toss” brought to fans:

This is a strong testament to why Clevelanders love Kipnis, who has been with the team since 2011 and is a two-time All-Star. It’s also the type of moment you look at and say, “Sports needs more of this.”

Afterward, Kipnis tweeted: “Crowd has been getting bigger every year! Might need some teammates’ help next year!” Indeed.

Fact is, pro players have a ton of gear that’s often just given to them by sporting goods companies and there will always be more waiting for them next year. Signing your name on it and giving it to the local fans? It’s about the best thing you could do after the season.

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Mike Oz is a writer at Yahoo Sports. Contact him at mikeozstew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @MikeOz

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