Some people are more than just fans.
They represent the essence of MLB and what it’s like to be a supporter: being there for your team through thick and thin and becoming famous in the process.
In the specific case of the Cleveland Guardians, everyone knew who John Adams was.
His fame had reached national status.
Sadly, his time on this Earth has come to an end, and the Guardians sent him a heartfelt tweet with a touching message and a video that showed him and his beloved drum to the world.
“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,” the team tweeted.
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
Adams pounded a drum while sitting in Cleveland’s outfield bleachers during baseball games for almost five decades.
He was 71, and the team announced his death on Monday.
Per ESPN, Adams first hauled a bass drum that he bought for $25 at a garage sale to a game at Municipal Stadium during the 1973 season.
His steady beat was there every time Cleveland batted until a few years ago, when his health started to deteriorate and he ceased attending games.
He was there for Cleveland’s three World Series appearances since 1973, which came in 1995, 1997, and 2016.
He became a Cleveland sports icon and someone fans (and the team itself) won’t ever forget.
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