CLEVELAND — The Major League Baseball lockout is over, and as it fades from our collective memories, a new era in Cleveland can finally begin.
After 107 seasons as the Indians, the city's baseball club is set to suit up as the Guardians in 2022, with success on the field hopefully coming with the new name and uniforms. The first game had been scheduled for March 31 at Progressive Field, but as the battle between owners and players dragged on, that date was pushed back into the realm of the unknown.
Now, we have a deal, and all 30 teams seemed thrilled to return to action. The Guardians themselves released a statement on social media Thursday evening, thanking fans for their patience and looking forward to the season ahead.
"We are confident this new collective bargaining agreement is good for players, good for the Guardians organization and — most importantly — good for our fans," the club said, in part. "Now we shift our focus to where it belongs: the field of play and celebrating everything that makes our game great."
While MLB will keep its full 162-game schedule, the start of the regular season will be pushed back a week to allow for enough time in spring training. As such, the Guardians will now get things going on April 8 in Kansas City, with the home opener to follow on April 15 (Jackie Robinson Day) against the San Francisco Giants.
"In the near future, we will be communicating to existing ticket purchasers and our fans regarding procedures for the impacted games and availability for the Home Opener," the team wrote. "We thank you for your patience and can't wait to see you again at Progressive Field this season."
The Guardians are coming off a 2021 campaign that saw them finish second in the American League Central division at 80-82, their first losing record in nearly a decade. Future Hall of Fame manager Terry Francona missed much of the season with various health issues, but is expected to be back in the dugout following surgery.