Tonita P. Vencl

OBITUARY

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Tonita P. Vencl, a beloved wife, mother, sister, and cherished fur grandma. Tonita entered eternal rest on October 3, 2024. She was born on March 24, 1940, in Cleveland, OH, Tonita was a beacon of warmth and love to all who knew her.Throughout her life, Tonita found profound joy in crafting, baking, and sharing her creations with others. Her passion for baking shone through, and her family and friends were always treated to the delicious fruits of her labor. A baseball enthusiast, Tonita held a special place in her heart for the Cleveland Indians. Her Italian heritage was central to her identity, and her love for her family knew no bounds.In her passing, Tonita leaves behind her loving husband of 63 years, John Vencl, and her children Annette Vencl, Amy Vencl, and John Vencl. She is also survived by her brother Phil Basile (Kathy), sister-in-law Jean Basile, and numerous nieces and nephews. Tonita was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Anthony and Joey.She will always be fondly remembered as the “nice lady” who touched the lives of many with her kindness and generosity.Visitation will take place at Monreal Srnick Funeral Home, 35400 Curtis Blvd, Eastlake, on October 8, 2024, at 4-8pm. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Tonita’s life will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Church, 32114 Vine St, Willowick, on October 9, 2024, at 10:30 am. Tonita will be laid to rest at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon.Tonita’s legacy of love, family, and culinary delights will continue to resonate with all those who were fortunate enough to know her. May she rest in peace, forever cherished in our hearts.

Tanner Bibee made such an immediate impact for the Cleveland Guardians when he was called up last season that it’s easy to forget that he’s still just in his sophomore season. Saturday’s start in Game 1 of the ALDS marked his playoff debut, and Bibee knew the adrenaline would be pumping.

However, Bibee got some help from a teammate who has pitched in the postseason multiple times. That’s Shane Bieber, who hasn’t pitched since April 2 but was in the Cleveland dugout for Game 1.

Bibee said in his postgame press conference that he talked to Bieber earlier this week and before the game about pitching in the postseason, and the former Cy Young winner gave him some tips along the way.

“Shane called me a couple of days ago because I was texting him and asking him a couple of questions about the first postseason starts. And we couldn’t really connect, and then he got here this morning. So he talked to me and he gave me some pointers,” said Bibee after Game 1.

“Ever since I made my debut last year, Shane has been kind of like my mentor. And having him kind of be away has been kind of tough. “

Leave it to Bieber, who only made two starts this season before undergoing Tommy John surgery, to leave his mark on this team and help the next generation of Guardians pitching.

Whatever the two talked about, whatever Bieber told Bibee, it clearly made an impact because Cleveland’s starter gave the Guardians exactly what they needed in Game 1. Bibee pitched 4.2 innings, giving up just four hits, one walk, striking out six batters, and allowing zero earned runs.

It’ll be intersting to see how Bibee factors into the rest of this series. There’s a good chance he pitched again in either Game 4 or 5 if it lasts the long.

To no one’s surprise, Tanner Bibee will take the mound for the Cleveland Guardians in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Detroit Tigers.

Bibee has been one of Cleveland’s top pitchers over the last two seasons and established himself as the team’s ace during the regular season. However, he’s still yet to appear in a postseason game.

Cleveland’s pitcher has been anticipating this moment for a long time and talked about what his thoughts have been leading up to the series.

“I feel like it didn’t really hit me until we found out who we were playing, and once Detroit won that series, it was like, ‘Oh, this is getting real,’” said Bibee. “I’ve had butterflies ever since, and it’s really exciting. I’m really excited to see the fans come and pack it out. I’m excited to feel the energy.”

“I don’t think I’ll be more nervous, but I do think there’ll be more adrenaline. I mean, I feel like the bigger crowds you have, naturally, no matter where you are, you’re going to have more adrenaline. Whether you’re facing more people in the crowd, stuff like that,” continued Cleveland’s ace.

Bibee finished his sophomore season with a 3.47 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and a 3.56 FIP.

While he may have taken a step back when looking at some of the counting stats, those around him, such as Stephen Vogt and Austin Hedges, have marveled at how he’s progressed in terms of preparing and executing his pitches in individual at-bats.

Bibee has always been a pitcher who throws with plenty of emotion and lets it show when he’s on the mound. His personality and mindset are exactly what an ace of a rotation needs in the playoffs, and it’ll be exciting to see how he looks on the mound in Game 1.