In a press release put out earlier today, the Cleveland Guardians announced that Academy Award winning actor Tom Hanks will throw out the first pitch of the team's home opener. Hanks got his start in acting with Great Lakes Theater in Cleveland, and voiced the the team's name change announcement last July. Hanks is a lifelong baseball fan, and the Guardians jokingly highlighted his management experience as well.
While the fans should be excited for Hanks' return to Cleveland, the actor is also thrilled to be a part of the festivities. “I’ve had Guardians fever since 1977 when I caught my first game in Section 19 of Cleveland’s Lakefront Municipal Stadium,” said Hanks. “I’m honored to return to Cleveland and Progressive Field for the first home game of the Cleveland Guardians era.”
The Guardians begin regular season play on the road against Kansas City on April 7. They'll circle back for their home opener against San Francisco on April 15th.