Guardians announce who will throw ceremonial first pitch at home opener

CLEVELAND (WJW) – The Cleveland Guardians are gearing up for their home opener against the Chicago White Sox on April 8.

On Thursday, the Guardians announced a full slate of opening day activities at Progressive Field before the game kicks off at 5:10 p.m.

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Cleveland baseball alumni Corey Kluber and Michael Brantley, who helped lead the team to an American League Championship title in 2016, are returning to Progressive Field for the ceremonial first pitch.

Both players announced they were retiring from MLB during the offseason.

Ra-Deon Sledge, the chief of staff at NASA’s Glenn Research Center, will perform the National Anthem and God Bless America before the game.

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Also, the 910th Airlift Wing from Youngstown Air Reserve Station will do a flyover.

The home opener is sold out, but baseball fans can still buy the Ballpark Pass, which includes a standing room only ticket to the game.

Downtown Cleveland is expected to be jam-packed on April 8, the same day as the total solar eclipse. Guardians fans are encouraged to give themselves extra travel time and take public transportation when possible. Learn more about the total solar eclipse here.

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