The Cleveland Guardians are preparing to play the Chicago White Sox in the American League Division Series. The Guardians may play in a small-market, but Progressive Field often offers one of the best postseason atmospheres in the sport. It seems as if star closer Cade Smith agrees. He's excited for his Guardians teammates who haven't been in the postseason to experience the atmosphere for the first time.

“There's several guys on our team who it's their first postseason appearance. They've been playing for just as long or longer than I have and this is their first time playing in the playoffs,” Smith said recently, via MLB Network Radio. “I really don't take that for granted. I know it's an awesome experience. Man, it's so much fun. The environment in those stadiums in these games, the fans are so locked in.

“It's sold out, it's loud, everything is so meaningful… It's such a great atmosphere to play in. I'm really excited to play in it again, but I'm also really excited for some of my teammates who it's their first time playing in.”

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Smith is one of the best closers in the sport. He is certainly going to play a crucial role in the ALDS and beyond if Cleveland advances.

Game 1 of the ALDS is scheduled for 1 PM ET on Saturday afternoon at Progressive Field. Cleveland's Parker Messick and Chicago's Hagen Smith will start the game on the mound as the Guardians hope to take an early 1-0 lead in the series.