CLEVELAND, Ohio — The families of Frank Robinson, Rocky Colavito and Larry Dolan will help the Guardians mark the 32nd home opener in Progressive Field history on April 8.
First pitch against the White Sox is set for 4:10 p.m. with pregame ceremonies getting underway at 3:30.
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The theme of this year’s home opener will focus on extraordinary accomplishments by Ohioans. Linebacker Jack Sawyer, whose strip-sack and fumble return touchdown against Texas propelled Ohio State into the national title game where the Buckeyes defeated Notre Dame, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Sawyer hails from Pickerington, and will throw to Steve Colavito, honoring his late father, Rocky Colavito, who died in December.
Steve Colavito played minor league baseball, including a stint with Cleveland’s farm system.
Robinson’s wife, Barbara Robinson, and daughter, Nichelle Robinson, are scheduled to deliver the line-up card as the club honors the 50th anniversary of Robinson becoming the first Black manager in major league history. Robinson died in 2019.
Dolan, who died Feb. 23, will be remembered as his grandson, Lawrence John “Jack” Dolan, delivers the official game ball to the pitcher’s mound.
The club will also recognize Dorian Pace, a Cleveland Heights bus driver who saved 15 children from a burning bus early this year.
The national anthem will be performed by members of the string section from the Cleveland Orchestra, along with a color guard featuring the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marines and Coast Guard.
The 910th Airlift Wing out of Youngstown’s Air Reserve Station will perform a flyover in a C130H Hercules.
Guardians employees and their families will hold a giant American flag on the field during the anthem.
Traffic is expected to be hectic around the ballpark due to a Cavaliers game at Rocket Arena scheduled for 7 p.m. Fans are encouraged to allow extra time for travel and arrival at the park.
Gates will open at 2 p.m.
Other festivities include:
- DJ Kyro will be performing in the right field district at 2 p.m.
- Cleveland Entertainers, including face painters, glitter tattoo and an airbrush artist will be on Gateway Plaza from 1-3 p.m.
- Photo opportunities with marquee letters.