CLEVELAND: Shaving cream pies are back.
Not since 2007, when Trot Nixon was slamming teammates in the face during postgame television interviews, has this dignified method of honoring players been part of the Indians' culture.
But after the Tribe's 3-2 comeback win over the Texas Rangers Thursday afternoon, Jensen Lewis sneaked up behind winning pitcher and interviewee David Huff and delivered a bull's-eye to the face with a shaving cream covered towel.
Was this the first step in restarting the ''tradition''? And if so, will Lewis take charge of the program, as Nixon did?
''We'll see,'' Lewis said. ''But I'd be happy to accept the responsibility.''
The presentation of the shaving cream award by Lewis was not premeditated, but that might change.
''He already started the interview, so I had to get in there quick,'' Lewis said. ''I didn't have anything to put it [shaving cream] in, which is why I had to use a towel. But I got him good.''
There was almost no skin showing on Huff's face after the pummeling. Nevertheless, after trying to wipe shaving cream out of his eyes and nose, Huff gamely continued the interview.
It would seem only fitting and proper that Lewis (if he takes on the assignment) keep an inventory of tin pie plates and substitute whipped cream for shaving cream to avoid the sting.
''If we keep winning, I could keep a supply in the tunnel,'' Lewis said.
None of this concerns manager Manny Acta, who is content to be a bystander.
''I don't mind any of that stuff,'' he said. ''Let the guys have fun. I'm not present when any of it happens, anyway. I'm back here [in his office].''
Asked whether the club should budget for pie plates and whipped cream, Acta smiled and said, ''Whoever is in charge should pay. They make enough money to have that stuff [on hand] every day.''
The key to continuing the practice is winning, the toughest requirement of all.
Sheldon Ocker can be reached at socker@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Indians blog at http://www.ohio.com/tribematters. Follow the Indians on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ABJ_Indians.
