CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Play ball.
Finally.
The ratification of Major League Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement Thursday ended the 99-day lockout and paves the way for the Cleveland Guardians to make their debut in 2022.
The organization, which for years has dealt with the financial challenges of being one of baseballs smaller market teams, expressed support and optimism the new CBA will benefit them.
“We are extremely appreciative of all of our key stakeholders, especially our fans, for their patience while a deal was being negotiated,” the team said in a statement posted to its social media accounts. “We are confident this new collective bargaining agreement is good for players, good for the Guardians organization and – most importantly – good for our fans.
“It invests in our game’s exciting young players, allows us to make the game better on the field, and creates an even better version of our sport. Now we shift our focus to where it belongs: the field of play and celebrating everything that makes our game great.”
After dropping the Indians name following the 2021 season, the next challenge for the franchise will be to get their fans to embrace their new name and branding.
The team shop at Progressive Field is full of new merchandise and signage has been erected around Progressive Field. The installation of the most prominent one – script Guardians above the scoreboard – began Thursday morning.
On the field, the Guardians are coming off their first sub .500 campaign in a decade under manager Terry Francona, who returns to the dugout after having to sit out the remainder of last season out to care for his health. They boast a young but strong pitching staff anchored by Cy Young winner Shane Bieber and perennial MVP candidate, third baseman Jose Ramirez.
The Guardians will open the season Friday, April 7 at Kansas City with a 4:10 first pitch. The home opener is scheduled for April 15 against San Francisco. The schedule currently lists first pitch at 7:10.
The team plans to communicate to ticketholders details regarding games from the first homestand that will be rescheduled.
Players report to Goodyear, Arizona for spring training Sunday.
