CLEVELAND — Terry Fried is a partial season ticket holder in the left field benches at Progressive Field. 

​His seat is a few rows behind where John Adams sat for years, the superfan known for banging his drum at games for decades. 

What You Need To Know

  • Cleveland Guardians superfan John Adams had been beating his drum at games for decades

  • Adams has not been at a game since 2019 because of medical issues

  • Fans who sat near Adams for years said they haven't gotten used to watching games without hearing his drum 
​“It’s almost like he’s part of the team. He’s the extra guy extra fielder," Fried said. 

But Adams has been absent since 2019 because of medical issues. Fried said he hasn’t gotten used to watching games without hearing Adams' drum.

“It’s like you miss it. You kind of look around, but it’s not here," Fried said. 

The bench where Adams sat has been moved. It's down at Heritage Park, next to the statues and plaques of other Cleveland baseball legends. 

There’s even a makeshift drum there.

“I had heard a story that when he started at the old stadium, he had to buy two seats," Fields said. "One for him, one for the drum."

This is the first season for the new team name and the first playoff run for the team since Adams has been unable to attend. Fried said he hopes Adams can make it out to give the team a boost. 

“I probably wish he could probably come back at least for one game, which would be nice," Fried said. “Maybe have him throw out a baseball."

Over the summer, the longtime drummer was honored with an induction into the team’s Distinguished Hall of Fame. He’s attended more than 3,700 games while supporting the team.

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