MORE THAN A DRUM.
For 47 years, John Adams was the heartbeat of Cleveland baseball, playing his bass drum and providing the soundtrack for summer at Cleveland Municipal Stadium and Progressive Field for over 3,000 games.
But John's legacy is more than a drum.
The John J. Adams Scholarship Fund provides financial support via grants and scholarships to students, individuals and organizations in the arts including music, dance and visual and industrial art.
ABOUT JOHN ADAMS
JOHN J. ADAMS (1952-2023): John was born in Cleveland and attended St. Ignatius and Parma Senior High Schools. He began drumming at the age of nine and played the bass drum in the band. When he carried his drum into Cleveland Stadium in 1973, he could not have predicted the life changing commitment that would follow. When the Indians moved from Municipal Stadium, to what is now Progressive Field he took his place at the top of the left field bleachers. He loved polka music and gave off his time and energy to raise money for many non-profit agencies. In his hometown of Brecksville, he volunteered as a member of the community response team. John also taught aquatics classes for students with disabilities at Cleveland State University. His dedication to service was his driving force. Life is a journey, and we are each given special talents to assist us along the way. John will forever be the iconic drummer at the top of the bleachers.
A superfan for 50 years
Adams first brought a bass drum – one he bought at a garage sale after having played the bass drum in high school band – to Cleveland Stadium in 1973. There was already a fan tradition of banging on seats during exciting moments, and he wanted to add to the clamor. He immediately caught the attention of other fans as well as the players, and he was interviewed for a local newspaper that same day. Adams continued bringing his drum as he attended almost every home game for five decades, only stopping when the COVID-19 pandemic and, later, his own health issues made it impossible for him to attend. He became a Cleveland institution, drumming as the players took the field and in other key moments throughout the game. The team honored him by twice inviting him to take place in the ceremonial first pitch – once, he hit the ball with his drum after it was pitched by a former player. The team gave out Adams bobblehead dolls in 2006, and he was inducted into their Hall of Fame.
STORIES ON JOHN:
Guardians pay tribute to John Adams with drum patch
https://www.mlb.com/news/guardians-pay-tribute-to-john-adams-with-drum-patch
John Adams remembered
https://www.mlb.com/news/john-adams-cleveland-drummer-remembered
John Adams Passes away at Age 71
https://www.mlb.com/news/drummer-guardians-fan-john-adams-dies-at-71
Longtime Drummer Honored by Guardians
https://www.mlb.com/news/drummer-john-adams-in-cleveland-s-distinguished-hall-of-fame
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
DECEMBER 2024
Hearts for Music ($10,000)
Case Western Reserve for the benefit of the Klezmer Ensemble ($10,000)
Center For Arts Inspired Learning ($10,000)
The Polaris Foundational in support of the Industrial Arts program ($10,000)
$1,000 Matching Grant to Parma Senior High School Scholarship Art Student in name of John Adams
AUGUST 2023
The Music Settlement ($5,000)
DECEMBER 2023
The Center for Arts Inspired Learning ($5,000)
Parma City Schools Marching Band Programs ($5,000)
Cuyahoga Community College Carpentry Program ($5,000)
PHOTO GALLERY
