Cleveland drummer, baseball fixture John Adams dies at 71

By: Tom Withers, The Associated Press Posted: 11:01 AM CST Monday, Jan. 30, 2023 Last Modified: 1:33 PM CST Monday, Jan. 30, 2023

Advertise with us

CLEVELAND (AP) — John Adams barely missed a game and never the beat for nearly 50 years.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

CLEVELAND (AP) — John Adams barely missed a game and never the beat for nearly 50 years.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/01/2023 (1342 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

CLEVELAND (AP) — John Adams barely missed a game and never the beat for nearly 50 years.

A dedicated baseball fan, Adams became a Cleveland sports fixture while pounding away in the cheap seats during games to rally his beloved home team.

Adams, who spent five decades drumming from the bleachers at Cleveland baseball games, died Monday following several years of health issues. He was 71.

FILE - In this April 27, 2011, file photo, Cleveland Indians fan John Adams poses in his usual centerfield bleacher seat with his ever-present bass drum before a baseball game between the Indians and the Kansas City Royals in Cleveland. Adams, who pounded a drum while sitting in Cleveland's outfield bleachers during baseball games for five decades, has died. He was 71. The Guardians announced his passing on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta, File)

Adams hauled a bass drum that he bought as a 21-year-old for $25 at a garage sale to a game at Municipal Stadium during the 1973 season. Through many lean years for the franchise and then a glorious run during the 1990s when the team moved to a new stadium, Adams was always there.

“For nearly five decades the beat of John’s drum was the heartbeat of baseball here in Cleveland,” said Guardians Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Bob DiBiasio. “We are all saddened by John’s passing. His dedication, commitment and passion for our franchise, at both Cleveland Stadium and Progressive Field, was unmatched. John will forever remain a member of our team.”

Adams’ health had been in decline the past few seasons. No longer able to attend games, he was honored by the Guardians last season with a replica bronze sculpture of his drum, which has a permanent place in the team’s Heritage Park area at Progressive Field.

There is also a plaque mounted on the wall next to his seat and above the top row of the left-field bleachers.

A Parma, Ohio native, Adams started his drumming gig with the team on Aug. 24, 1973, when Cleveland hosted the Texas Rangers. He would go on to perform at three All-Star games, three World Series and was there the night Len Barker pitched a perfect game for Cleveland in 1981.

He was more than a local celebrity, known to opposing fans and players.

When Yankees Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera visited Cleveland during his farewell season in 2013, he opened his news conference by asking for Adams.

“Where’s the drummer?” Rivera said.

“Right here,” Adams replied from the back of the room, raising one of his drum sticks so the New York legend could see him.

“Hey, you the man,” Rivera said. “Being loyal, being there day in and day out. I really respect that.”