CLEVELAND — Legendary actor Tom Hanks will throw out the first pitch before the Cleveland Guardians’ home opener April 15.

The home opener marks the first time the club will play under the Guardians moniker in Cleveland. 

“I’ve had Guardians fever since 1977 when I caught my first game in Section 19 of Cleveland’s Lakefront Municipal Stadium,” said Hanks. “I’m honored to return to Cleveland and Progressive Field for the first home game of the Cleveland Guardians era.”

Hanks helped unveil the team’s new name last July in a social media post. 

"You see, there’s always been Cleveland – that’s the best part of our name," Hanks said. "Now it’s time to unite as one family, one community, to build the next era for this team in this city. To keep watch and guard what makes this game the greatest. To come together and welcome all who want to join us. We are loyal and proud and resilient. We protect what we’ve earned and always defend it. Together we stand with all who understand what it means to be born and built from the land – because this is the city we love and the game we believe in."

While opening day tickets generally sell out fast, tickets for this year’s home opener remain available two weeks out. The Guardians’ original home opener was postponed due to an offseason lockout.