CLEVELAND — Spring has sprung, and baseball season is upon us once again. This year -- rejoice -- fans are back in the stands and able to cheer on the Tribe in person, even if in reduced capacities. With Cleveland's home opener at Progressive Field on Monday, here’s everything you need to know.
When is Cleveland's home opener?
Progressive Field will see action for the first time this season on Monday, April 5. First pitch is at 4:10 p.m. The Tribe is back from a road series with the Detroit Tigers and will host fans for the first time in over a year. You can listen to the game on WTAM 1100 and 100.7 WMMS, or watch it on WKYC.
Who’s playing?
The Tribe is set to take on the Kansas City Royals.
On the outfield drum, an iconic part of any Tribe game, will be Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney, who is filling in for the legendary John Adams as he recovers from a heart procedure.
How many fans can go to games this season?
To start the season in Cleveland, the Tribe will be allowed to host fans at 30% capacity, according to guidance from the state.
Gov. Mike DeWine announced that unlike in 2020, fans would be able to attend games at the ballpark in reduced capacity with hopes to return to full capacity as the season progresses and vaccinations become more widespread.
There will be around 10,500 fans in attendance at the home opener as the game sold out its limited ticketing.
What are the policies at Progressive Field this season?
New policies have been implemented at Progressive Field for the 2021 season amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tribe teamed up with the Cleveland Clinic to create the guidelines and protocols around the venue, called Safe at Progressive Field.
Masks are required for all fans while at the ballpark unless they are actively eating or drinking in their ticketed areas. Acceptable masks include double layered cloth masks, surgical masks, dust masks and N95 masks without vents. Masks that will not be accepted at the ballpark include bandannas, gaiters, sheer masks, and masks with valves.
Fans with medical issues who can not wear a mask will be directed to a medical tent where it will be determined if medical issues do prevent mask wearing. If it is determined the fan can not wear a mask, a face shield will be required.
Fans will be allowed to bring clutches, diaper bags and medical bags into the ballpark this season. No other bags are permitted in order to speed up and prevent overcrowding during entry into the ballpark.
As for ticketing, entry will be exclusively mobile and fans will be able to enter Progressive Field using the Ballpark App, My Tickets Account or the StubHub App. No PDF ticket, either printed or screenshots, will be an acceptable form of entry.
Social distancing will be marked and encouraged throughout the ballpark, cashless transactions are encouraged at all food and retail spots in Progressive Field, hand sanitation stations will be set up around the ballpark, and outdoor air circulation will be pumped into all indoor areas with frequent cleaning high-touch surfaces.
With the Tribe in the early process of changing its name after years of protests, new policies about fan-wear are also being implemented this season.
Headdresses and face paint styled in a way that references or appropriates American Indian cultures and traditions will not be permitted in the ballpark. Anyone wearing inappropriate or offensive images, words, dress or face paint must be covered or removed, and failure to do so will constitute grounds for ejection or refusal of admission, the organization stated.
What kind of weather are we expecting?
It should be a pleasant day at the ballpark with a chance of rain by the afternoon through mid-evening. Get the latest forecast here.
Watch Trent Magill's latest forecast from Progressive Field in the media player below:
"It's certainly a lot more fun to play baseball in weather like this," said Tribe manager Terry Francona.
Are all of the fan activities the same?
COVID-19 protocols have changed a lot about the ballpark experience, including fanfare and activities.
One of those changes is player autographs. Due to health and safety protocols, players will not be able to sign autographs in person like they typically do before and after games.
High-contact in-park activities like the Kids Clubhouse, Family Deck activities and speed pitch will not operate at Progressive Field during the 2021 season.
Heritage Plaza will still be open for fans to view, but social distancing will be required.
The fan viewing bullpen at the park will be closed for the time being, and the Corner Bar will be closed for congregation. Fans will still be able to use Corner Bar as a grab-and-go option but will have to return to their seats after their purchases.
Fans will not be permitted at batting practice for the time being.
Who’s on the team?
Good question.
A lot has changed from the last time fans were able to attend Tribe games and even since the last time the team played at the ballpark last season. Here’s a look at the 40-man roster as of April 2:
Pitchers:
MLB roster:
- Logan Allen
- Shane Bieber
- Aaron Civale
- Emmanuel Clase
- James Karinchak
- Phil Maton
- Triston McKenzie
- Oliver Pérez
- Zach Plesac
- Cal Quantrill
- Bryan Shaw
- Trevor Stephan
- Nick Wittgren
Minor League roster:
- Cam Hill (60-Day IL for right wrist surgery)
- Sam Hentges
- Carlos Jean Mejίa
- Eli Morgan
- Scott Moss
- Kyle Nelson (Taxi Squad)
- Carlos Vargas
Catchers:
- Austin Hedges
- Roberto Pérez
Infielders:
MLB roster:
- Jake Bauers
- Yu Chang
- Andrés Giménez
- César Hernández
- José Ramίrez
- Amed Rosario
Minor League roster:
- Gabriel Arias
- Bobby Bradley
- Ernie Clement (Taxi Squad)
- Nolan Jones
Outfielders:
MLB roster:
- Ben Gamel
- Jordan Luplow
- Josh Naylor
- Franmil Reyes
- Eddie Rosario
Minor League roster:
- Oscar Mercado
- Daniel Johnson
- Harold Ramirez (Taxi Squad)
- Bradley Zimmer
As for Monday's lineup, the Tribe has made the following decision:
- Jordan Luplow
- César Hernández
- José Ramίrez
- Eddie Rosario
- Franmil Reyes
- Amed Rosario
- Josh Naylor
- Roberto Pérez
- Yu Chang
Logan Allen will take the mound first for the Tribe, his first career start in Cleveland and first time making the Opening Day roster.
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