John Adams, a legendary drummer and sports figure in Cleveland, passed away at the age of 71
His professional drumming career began at a 1973 game at Municipal Stadium.
His drumming became a household name among Cleveland’s baseball fans. Sadness and loss permeate the baseball community at Adams’s passing.
Many famous people have posted touching messages of tribute to John on their social media sites. Public Affairs VP for the Cleveland Guardians Bob DiBiasio has referred to John’s drumming as the “heartbeat” of baseball in Cleveland.
John Adams Cleveland Guardians fan and drummer cause of death, illness, age
Adams suffered from health issues beginning in December 2020, including emergency triple bypass surgery and thyroid issues and died on January 30, 2023, at age 71.
In recent years he also broke a hip, had triple bypass surgery and other procedures
During his time with the Cleveland Guardians, drummer John Adams was a key member of the band. When he joined the band in 1973, he used a bass drum he had picked up at a yard sale. Adams has played in three All-Star Games, eleven Playoff series, and three World Series since his debut game, which Cleveland hosted against the Texas Rangers.
Adams has been present for some of the Guardians’ most memorable moments, including Len Barker’s perfect game for Cleveland in 1981. John Adams will be recognised as a major figure in Cleveland baseball history forever.
John Adams was the soul of Cleveland
Adams is a native of Parma, Ohio and he signed with the Cleveland franchise on August 24, 1973. The sound of pounding chairs became synonymous with Cleveland baseball, and he recreated it with his drumming.
John Adams has had a rough go of it health-wise during the past few years. He has also skipped the last two home openers because of this. He had a triple bypass and other surgeries in 2021, requiring him to stay in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
According to the Cleveland Indians’ tribute film, his drumming from the stands brought back the familiar sound of thumping chairs, an integral aspect of baseball games in Cleveland.
He was a lifelong Guardians fan, and he recently marked his 50th season as a fan. John played in more than 3,700 games in his lifetime. He became the twelfth non-player to enter the team’s Distinguished Hall of Fame in August. There is now a bronze drum and his bleacher seat at Heritage Park.
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