CLEVELAND — With the Cleveland Guardians’ rescheduled Opening Day also falling on Jackie Robinson Day on April 15, the team announced that Larry Doby Jr., son of Larry Doby, will catch the ceremonial first pitch. 

Doby was the first Black player in the American League when he joined the then-named Cleveland Indians in 1947. He was a seven-time All Star while with the Indians. 

He died in 2003 at the age of 79. 

Doby Jr. will catch Tom Hanks, who will throw out the ceremonial first pitch ahead of the opener. Hanks helped announce the organization’s new moniker last year. 

The national anthem and God Bless America will be performed by Cleveland native Brianne Bryant, who is also known as Lady Bri, the club said. Bryant also performed the Guardians’ new team music track “We Are Cleveland.”

As part of Opening Day festivities, the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy and Space Force will all be on hand for a joint color presentation, and a flyover will be performed by the 112th Fighter Squadron of the 180th Fighter Wing.

Normally a tough ticket, the Guardians said nearly 2,500 tickets remain for Opening Day.