CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 30: A general stadium view prior to Game Two of the American League or National League Wild Card Series between the Cleveland Indians and the New York Yankees at Progressive Field on September 30, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
A longtime fan who became a regular at Cleveland Guardians games passed away.
On Monday, the team confirmed the death of John Adams, a drummer who provided a soundtrack for nearly 48 years at Progressive Field. According to MLB.com’s Mandy Bell, he experienced multiple health problems before dying at age 71.
“For nearly five decades, the beat of John’s drum was the heartbeat of baseball here in Cleveland,” Guardians senior vice president of public affairs Bob DiBiasio said, per Bell. “We are all saddened by John’s passing. His dedication, commitment, and passion for our franchise, at both Cleveland Stadium and Progressive Field, was unmatched. John will forever remain a member of our team.”
The MLB world mourned Adams’ passing.
“You could feel his presence and his energy,” Guardians infielder Daniel Robertson wrote on Twitter. “I still hear the drum sometimes when I open the yearbook. RIP John Adams. We never met but the energy was pure. Thank you for the memories.”
“Playing in front of John was a unique baseball experience,” former Cleveland All-Star catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. said, per Cleveland.com’s Paul Hoynes. “That was all we knew as players and that’s a fact. John was going to be there no matter what. We’ll miss him and he’ll always be in our hearts.”
“There’s no larger presence on a Cleveland baseball Gameday than John Adams banging his drum,” former pitcher and current Guardians analyst Jensen Lewis wrote. “So many memories from both my playing days in an #Indians uniform & now on the media side, interacting & hearing John’s passion for our team and town. Rest in peace, John.”
“What an amazing, dedicated fan! He loved his Cleveland baseball team so much,” MLB broadcaster Heidi Watney she said.
“The Guardians should rename the Bleacher seating section of Progressive Field in memory of John Adams! I think that would be a wonderful way to honor his life and love for all things Cleveland baseball,” a fan suggested.
My hearts go out to Adams’ loved ones and the entire Cleveland community for their loss.
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