Guardians honor longtime fan and drummer John Adams during home opener

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Friday marked Cleveland’s first dwelling opener for the reason that passing of legendary drummer John Adams, who beat his drum from the bleachers at hundreds of video games for practically 50 years.

The Guardians honored Adams, who died in January, with a pregame second of silence alongside former pitcher Gaylord Perry, who handed in December.

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Adams’ presence was nonetheless felt by followers all through the ballpark the place a bronze statue of his drum and bench reside within the membership’s Heritage Park. A plaque now adorns the wall close to his longtime seat within the bleachers and his initials “JA” had been stenciled within the dust behind dwelling plate.

Guardians mascot Slider even took a flip pounding on Adams’ authentic drum from his bleacher seat within the second inning. However essentially the most recognizable honor bestowed upon Adams was the jersey patch worn by gamers and coaches that includes Adams’ initials and iconic drum.

Supervisor Terry Francona was requested in regards to the group’s efforts to honor Adams, and mentioned the drummer was “a fixture” who came to visit from outdated Municipal Stadium and meant an incredible deal to so many followers.

“Anytime you’re recognizing a fan I feel there’s most likely a bit little bit of everyone in him and everyone is aware of who he’s,” Francona mentioned. It’s a very elegant gesture any time you embrace followers. You don’t see that fairly often.”

Cleveland Heights native Travis Kelce, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Friday’s recreation, mentioned Adams fueled his love and appreciation for sports activities rising up and instilled in him the thought of “giving all the pieces” in your group.

“He was us in a nutshell, he’s precisely who we had been,” Kelce mentioned. “All these runs within the 90s the place we offered this place out, these early 2000′s moments, man he was the heartbeat for lots of us right here within the Cleveland space.”

President of baseball operations Chris Antonetti mentioned his ideas drifted to Adams throughout his drive to the ballpark, noting that lots of his 25 dwelling openers included encounters with Adams whereas speaking to native radio character Mike Trivisonno, who additionally handed away in 2021.

“They had been a part of the ritual for me on opening day,” Antonetti mentioned. “Oftentimes after I’d go and join with Triv, John could be there and we’d get an opportunity to attach. Lots of people will definitely miss each of them right this moment.”

Antonetti mentioned the patch worn by Guardians gamers carried super that means.

“That speaks to John’s distinctive place in our historical past and simply how a lot he cared in regards to the group,” Antonetti mentioned. “However I feel he additionally represents lots of Cleveland baseball followers.”

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