Cleveland, OH – The Cleveland Guardians today announced the full slate of Opening Day festivities taking place at the Home Opener celebration on April 8 against the Chicago White Sox at 4:10PM ET. Pregame ceremonies will begin at 3:30PM ET.
The game marks the Guardians 32nd Home Opener at Progressive Field and will focus on extraordinary accomplishments by Ohioans.
Ohio State defensive end and College Football Champion, Jack Sawyer, will throw the Ceremonial First Pitch. The Pickerington native will throw to Steve Colavito, honoring his father, Rocky Colavito. Steve followed in his father’s footsteps and played minor league baseball, which included time in Cleveland.
Frank Robinson’s wife, Barbara Robinson, and daughter, Nichelle Robinson, will deliver the line-up card to honor the 50th anniversary of Robinson’s managerial debut – April 8, 1975. To recognize the legacy of Larry Dolan, his grandson and namesake, Lawrence John “Jack” Dolan, will deliver the official Game Ball to the pitcher’s mound.
Members of the string section from the world-famous Cleveland Orchestra will perform the National Anthem. The Color Guard will feature the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marines and Coast Guard, with a flyover from the 910th Airlift Wing out of Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, flying the C130H Hercules. During the anthem, an American Flag will be held on the field by Cleveland Guardians employees and their family members.
Fans are encouraged to allow extra time for travel due to expected traffic congestion due to the Home Opener and evening Cavs game at Rocket Arena. Gates will open at 2PM ET.
DJ Kyro will be performing in the Right Field District once gates open until the start of pregame ceremonies. Cleveland Entertainers, including face painters, glitter tattoo and an airbrush artist will be on Gateway Plaza from 1-3PM ET, as well as a photo op with marquee letters. Dorian Pace, the Cleveland Heights veteran bus driver who saved 15 kids from a burning bus early this year will be recognized during an inning break.
Cleveland Guardians Official Press Release
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