CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Two-time Super Bowl champion and Cleveland Heights native Travis Kelce and his mother, Donna, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Friday’s home opener for the Cleveland Guardians.
The team also plans to honor superfan and drummer John Adams, who passed away earlier this year, by wearing a special commemorative patch with his initials “JA” that feature a pair of bass drum mallets. The patch will also be worn August 24 when the team commemorates the 50th anniversary of Adams’ debut banging his drum in the bleachers.
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A moment of silence will also be held to remember Adams as well as Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry who passed away in December.
Prior to first pitch, the Guardians will unveil the 2022 AL Central Division pennant, the Guardians 11th division crown in franchise history – the most of any team within the division.
East Palestine, Ohio Little League will have boys and girls (eight and under) form the ‘Player Tunnel’ to welcome players on to the field during introductions.
Norelle Simpson, who grew up on the east side of Cleveland and appeared in her second Super Bowl halftime show – this time as a backup signer for Rhianna, will perform the national anthem and God Bless America.
Members of all six military branches – Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy and Space Force – will all be on hand to create a joint color presentation, and a flyover will be performed by the 112th fighter squadron of the Ohio Air National Guard with a 4-ship of F-16s.
The game against the Seattle Mariners marks the 30th home opener at Progressive Field since the ballpark opened in 1994.