Born in the suburbs of Cleveland, John Adams, known to many as the “Drummer of Progressive Field,” passed away after almost 50 years of drumming in the bleachers of Cleveland Guardians games. Adams was more than simply a superfan of the Guardians. He stood as a symbol of passion toward not only the spirit of the Cleveland community but toward the sport of baseball.
His steady beat echoed in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of watching a game at Progressive Field while he drummed. And his departure at the age of 71 will leave a void, but his memory and the joy he brought to so many will endure forever.
The Cleveland Guardians lost a giant part of their history today
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The Cleveland Guardians honored Adams’ dedication to the team over the years by funding his game tickets and drum for two seasons and involving him in two ceremonial first pitches in 2007 and 2011. They also recognized his commitment by releasing a bobblehead in his likeness. Moreover, the Guardians also allocated one seat to Adams, which housed a plaque saying, “#1 Fan”.
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of John Adams.
John has been with us since our time at Cleveland Municipal, banging his drum for nearly 50 years, bringing joy to fans and players alike.
John, you will be missed but your legacy will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/GQ9sUt2L6f
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) January 30, 2023
As reported by the Guardians, “John has been with us since our time at Cleveland Municipal, banging his drum for nearly 50 years, bringing joy to fans and players alike.”
Adams was dealt a harsh blow when he began experiencing health issues in December 2020, including a life-saving triple bypass surgery and ongoing thyroid problems. Despite his valiant fight, without witnessing the upgraded Progressive Field in the future, he passed away on January 30, 2023, at the young age of 71, leaving a broken-hearted community in his wake.
Fans pay their tribute to a legend of the Tribe
The news of Adams’ passing left the entire city of Cleveland in a state of grief. Fans took to social media to express their condolences and share cherished memories of their encounters with the beloved drummer. They posted pictures taken with him and recounted bare the profound impact he had on their lives with his warm personality and infectious spirit.
This is how they reacted:
He was truly a staple of Cleveland baseball. Going to miss him banging the drum at Progressive Field
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) January 30, 2023
The best. We will miss you John!
— Matt Dery (@DerySpeaks) January 30, 2023
Rest in peace to such a huge piece of anyone’s ballpark experience in Cleveland.
Cleveland lost a legend. Rest easy, John 🥁 pic.twitter.com/Fv3ViEWjn3
— C0RY (@c0ry024) January 30, 2023
Best sound at the ballpark John Adam’s Drum pic.twitter.com/L3va4QeV4W
— Ryan S (@dr_baseball81) January 30, 2023
Rest In Peace, John.
I, like many others, spent many summers building the courage to walk up to the last row of the bleachers to ask to hit your drum. You were always nothing but kind and gracious.
You were, and forever will be the heartbeat of Cleveland baseball.
— La Mole (@FranmilsEyebrow) January 30, 2023
Nicest kindest fan. Loved chatting with him. ❤️the drum has been a soundtrack to my childhood ❤️ pic.twitter.com/xypqsX7vea
— Wikki (@Princesswikki) January 30, 2023
So sad, rest in peace Sir. I hope a golden drum is waiting for you in the golden bleachers and departed CLE greats are playing on a beautiful green diamond on a perfect heavenly spring day up there.
— Jim Harold (@THEJimHarold) January 30, 2023
I am honored that I got to watch him and hear his last drum beat at the ball park at his final game. Simply a legend. pic.twitter.com/5At6H5zD31
— Yuppers (@ben44162614) January 30, 2023
Thanks for the memories, John! pic.twitter.com/cYyadU68k1
— Brittany O'Connor (@BrittKOConnor) January 30, 2023
Game 6. Game 7. No better baseball fan anywhere. pic.twitter.com/hStOgw5euf
— Matt LaWëll (@MattLaWell) January 30, 2023
When people wonder why Cleveland is special it’s because of people like John. The dedication, love and pure joy for a team…it goes beyond words. And to be so incredibly kind and joyful to every person who appreciated him.
— JRG (@JoeTheWheelman) January 30, 2023
👑👑👑 pic.twitter.com/9PpXBTz1JT
— Danny Magyarics (@dmagyarics5) January 30, 2023
It won't be the same in Progressive Field without hearing the pounding of the drum anymore.
Rest in peace, John. You were a true legend and icon of the Cleveland Indians/Guardians. pic.twitter.com/DL7Ed3sFdY
— Jonny Coal (@JonCwalina) January 30, 2023
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John was most gracious and accommodating when we asked for our picture with him (circa 2003) during our first visit to Progressive Field. We had a great conversation with him. The percussion section in heaven just picked up a great free agent addition. pic.twitter.com/OONywQFmAt
— Tony Comden (@MiracleLeagueTC) January 30, 2023
Did you ever get the chance to meet John Adams? If yes, share your most memorable experience with him.
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And will the Cleveland Guardians do justice to their superfan by winning their first-ever World Championship in 2023? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
