CLEVELAND — As the countdown to Monday's Opening Day at Progressive Field continues, the Cleveland Indians have announced some of the festivities and events that will take place.
Prior to the Tribe's 4:10 p.m. game against the Royals, the team will honor its award winners from the 2020 season.
- Shane Bieber - Cy Young Award
- Cesar Hernandez - Gold Glove
- Roberto Perez - Gold Glove
- Jose Ramirez - Silver Slugger
The team will also hold a moment of silence in pregame for Joe Tait, the longtime Cavaliers and Indians broadcaster who passed away last month.
During the game, the Indians will also have a tribute to legendary rocker Michael Stanley, who also passed away in March. There will be video footage as well as the playing of Stanley's iconic song "My Town."
Meanwhile, for the first time since 1973, John Adams won't be banging the drum at the Cleveland Indians' home opener.
In his place on Monday will be one of the best drummers in the world, with the Indians announcing Black Keys' drummer and Akron native Patrick Carney will be filling in for Adams, who will miss Monday's home opener against the Kansas City Royals due to health issues.
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"When I found out that John Adams wouldn't be able to make Opening Day in Cleveland for the first time in almost fifty years, I reached out to the team,” Carney said in a statement. “I share John's love of baseball and the Cleveland Indians franchise and drumming for him during the home opener when he can't physically be there feels like a meaningful way to show John the love and respect he deserves. I want to be there for John."
The Tribe will also celebrate heroes across Northeast Ohio throughout Monday's opener, including teachers, educators, law enforcement and people who have made a positive impact on our community.
- National Anthem and God Bless America performer: Retired Police Sergeant Kennedy Jones.
- First Pitch: Para professional Bonita Horton from Adlai E. Stevenson School in Cleveland. Bonita will be joined by teachers and educators representing 10 CMSD schools.
- Play Ball Kid: 10-year-old Emma Shishebor who collects donations for Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center.
- Flyover: 112th Fighter Squadron of the Ohio National Guard
The home opener will be broadcast via simulcast on WKYC Channel 3 and Bally Sports Great Lakes. WKYC will bring you our pregame show from 2-3 p.m. before turning it over to BSGL for a 3-4 p.m. pregame show with Al Pawlowski and Jensen Lewis.
3News' Ben Axelrod and Nick Camino will also host a digital pregame show at 1:30 p.m. on WKYC.com, the WKYC app, Facebook Live, and YouTube.