Indians employees took part in a Day of Giving last Sunday, November 18 in the Terrace Club.

As people across the U.S. take part in their annual Thanksgiving traditions, Indians players are making their own holiday preparations. TribeVibe caught up with several players to hear their plans for Thanksgiving this year, which range from 50+-person family gatherings to trans-Atlantic vacations.

Pitcher Joe Smith:

“I’ll head over to my aunt Wanda and Uncle Ray’s house where most the family goes. My aunt Judy always passes around a sign-in sheet because they like looking back and seeing who all has made it. It’s usually around 50–60 of us with too much food, of course. After we eat, some of my cousins, my grandpa, friends and Uncle Ray will pack in downstairs to get away from the crowd, and do what everyone likes to do after thanksgiving meal: Football and Nap.”

Pitcher Vinnie Pestano:

“I’m going back home to California for Thanksgiving. My Mom is having it at my parents’ house so it’ll be good to see my whole family. I’m thankful I have a wonderful cast of people in my support system without which I would not be the person or player I am today.”

Infielder Jack Hannahan:

“Where do I start? My side of the family (16 people) will be coming over to the house where I will be preparing a 22 pound turkey on the Big Green Egg!

“350 [degrees] for four hours and the big boy will be singing!

“I’m thankful for my loving and supportive family, a healthy baby boy, my loving wife and the baby on the way. I’m thankful for a mother and a father who have been married 37 years. They worked so hard to put four kids through private schools.”

Pitcher Justin Masterson:

“I am heading to the in-laws for thanksgiving in South Bend, Indiana. We get together with friends and family there and then on Friday we’ll have a party with my family. So I get two turkey dinners in a row. It’s just a good blessing to have food on the table and be amongst those whom we love. I think we need to make everyday Thanksgiving.”

Second Baseman Jason Kipnis is using part of the weekend to head overseas to begin a two-week vacation in Spain. His destinations include Granada, Sevilla, the Canary Islands, and Barcelona — where he plans on attending a bull fight and an FC Barcelona soccer game.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Indians and TribeVibe!