John Adams, the legendary Cleveland baseball drummer, has passed away at the age of 71.
The Cleveland Guardians announced on Monday that famed stadium drummer John Adams had died.
Cleveland — The Cleveland Guardians announced that famed stadium drummer John Adams has died. He was 71 years old.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of John Adams,” the Guardians wrote in a tweet on Monday morning, accompanied with a memorial video. “John has been with us since our days at Cleveland Municipal, hammering his drum for over 50 years, providing delight to spectators and players alike. “John, you will be missed, but your legacy will endure forever.”
Adams originally took his drum to Cleveland Municipal Stadium on August 24, 1973, and has been involved with the franchise for the past 50 seasons, leading supporters in cheering the team from his perch in the bleachers while attending over 3,700 games. Adams had not been able to attend a Progressive Field game since the 2019 season due to health difficulties and the COVID-19 epidemic.
Despite this, the Cleveland State University alum remained connected to the franchise, being the 12th member to be enshrined into the Guardians’ Distinguished Hall of Fame last summer. Furthermore, footage show Adams supporting the Guardians during their drive to an American League Central Division title and the American League Division Championship Series.
The video from O’Neill Healthcare Fairview Park went viral, and he was able to scream out “Play Ball!” before of the team’s wild-card playoff Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Last September, 3News interviewed Adams, who expressed optimism about his rehabilitation.
“It’s difficult and a lot of setbacks,” he told me. “There was more than one. That was a lot. But I cannot give up. You lose when you quit. I have too much to accomplish and to look forward to.”
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