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Flight issues, a celebratory cigar and a Nolan Ryan no-hit bid: Terry Francona recalls his chaotic MLB debut

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Bradley Zimmer learned of his promotion to the Indians' big-league roster late Monday night.

He packed his suitcase, went to sleep and made the two-hour trek from Columbus on Tuesday morning -- a pretty routine sequence of events for such a momentous occasion.

Terry Francona, on the other hand, had a more chaotic debut, with flight issues and trepidation about facing Nolan Ryan.

Allow the Indians' skipper to explain his perspective of Aug. 19, 1981.

"I was supposed to have a doctor appointment that morning at like 8 a.m. And the trainer called me and I was a typical 21-year-old -- I was a little bit groggy.