Cleveland to honor John Adams by naming outfield bleachers after the late “Tribe Drummer”

Photo via @TribeDrummer

Cleveland- The Guardians organization announced Thursday that they’ll be naming the outfield bleachers after legend John Adams. While beating his drum since August 24, 1973, Adams became an integral part of baseball in Cleveland. He passed away last year at the age of 71. Prior to his death the organization honored Adams with an induction to the Distinguished Hall of Fame last August.  This gesture surprised and humbled the man who’d given so much of himself. Heritage Park is now home to a replica bronze drum affixed to his bleacher seat.

Beginning on Opening Day of 2024 the Progressive Field bleachers will be named after Adams. The club also stated that John’s drum will be sent to Cooperstown where it will be displayed for the foreseeable future.

Health issues stopped Adams from attending any games since the 2019 season. In 2020, the pandemic caused fans to be unable to be present at baseball games. In 2021 Adams missed his first Opening Day since 1973. Patrick Carney, the drummer for The Black Keys (Grammy Award-winning rock duo from Akron), filled in for John that day.

Appreciation and recognition

The organization has shown their love for Adam’s throughout his time at the park, during his health struggles and after his passing. He was the first fan to have his own bobblehead. The John J. Adams Rally Drum bobblehead celebrated his 45^th year of drumming at Cleveland baseball games.

The super fan participated in two ceremonial first pitches. Once he threw out the first pitch in typical fashion. Then Adams upped the ante when it comes to ceremonial first pitches in 2007. During the American League divisional series John used his drum as a bat. Yes, you read that right.

The team wore a “JA” patch on its jerseys on opening day this season and again on the 50th anniversary of his first game.

Good look at Guardians' memorial patch for superfan/drummer John Adams. It will be worn again on Aug. 24, the 50th anniversary of his first game with the drum. pic.twitter.com/aassVQYXp0

— Paul Lukas (@UniWatch) April 7, 2023

John meant so much to the city, players and fans. In key moments of the game the drumbeat was heard throughout the ballpark. From when the players took the field at the start of the game, with runners in scoring position, or in the 9^th inning of a close game, Adams’ drum was a staple. That rhythmic drumbeat coming from the left field bleachers was heard and felt throughout the field. For nearly five decades Adam provided not only a drumbeat but he became the heartbeat of the ballpark.

The organization ended their announcement of the naming of the outfield bleachers with these words – “We miss you, John!” I think those words speak for all those who have been in the presence of the iconic drummer.