Tribe announces home opener festivities

The Indians unveil their plans for the home opener April 1, celebrating the 25th anniversary of then-Jacobs Field opening, a Frank Robinson tribute, the 2018 A.L. Central title being honored and more.

The Indians announced March 19 festivities slated for the team’s home opener on April 1 at Progressive Field.

First pitch is 4:10 p.m., and gates open at 2 p.m.

• The team will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Progressive Field, which when it debuted in 1994 was known as Jacobs Field.

• Former Indians outfielder Wayne Kirby will throw out the ceremonial first pitch to former Indians catcher and current coach Sandy Alomar Jr., who got the first-ever hit at then-Jacobs Field. Kirby’s 11th-inning, two-out single scored Eddie Murray to lift the Indians over the Mariners, 4-3, in the first-ever game at Cleveland’s new ballpark in 1994.

• A pregame ceremony will honor the Indians winning the 2018 American League Central Division.

• The Indians will pay tribute to Hall of Famer and former Indians playermanager Frank Robinson with No. 20 patches on the players’ uniforms. The patches will honor Robinson’s milestone of becoming the first African-American manager in MLB history on Opening Day 1975. Robinson, who passed away in February, hit a solo home run in his first at-bat as player-manager at Cleveland Municipal Stadium.

• Retired Navy Petty Officer, 1st Class Generald Wilson will perform the National Anthem. Members of the United States Marines, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force will present the colors.