Guardians, Black Keys’ Patrick Carney remember John Adams

• Guardians pitchers Shane Bieber and Zach Plesac reflect on the legacy and atmosphere John Adams created by drumming
• Akron’s Patrick Carney of The Black Keys said there was “something very Ohio” about Adams’ dedication
• Growing up as a Cleveland sports fan, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce felt a connection to Adams

CLEVELAND — Bill Schubert made a beeline to Heritage Park with his wife and children when the gates at Progressive Field opened Friday afternoon before the Guardians’ home opener.

Memories of the drumbeat made famous by the late John Adams were calling the family from Amherst.

Schubert and his sons, Anthony, 13, and Louis, 11, posed next to the brass-plated replica of Adams’ bass drum sitting atop the iconic fan’s bleacher seat. Schubert’s wife, Angela, took a photograph.

“When I think of Cleveland baseball, I think of John, and I think if John’s drum is beating, something good is happening on the field,” Schubert said. “It’s just etched in my memory from a child through teenage years, college, adulthood. My kids got to experience it for a while, too. It equals Cleveland baseball to me.”

The Guardians lost 5-3 to the Seattle Mariners, but Cleveland’s tribute to Adams in the franchise’s first home game since his death in late January could not be spoiled by the final score.

Adams first drummed at a Cleveland baseball game on Aug. 24, 1973, and the Parma High School graduate continued to do so during nearly every home game through the 2019 season. He died at age 71 after battling several health problems.

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The Guardians wore “JA” patches on the front of their jerseys and marked his initials in white paint behind home plate Friday. Moments of silence featuring displays on the scoreboard were held before the game for Adams and Hall of Fame pitcher Gaylord Perry, who died on Dec. 1, 2022.