People started to fill the seats at Progressive Field early on Monday, where the Cleveland Guardians will host the Chicago White Sox for their 2024 home opener.
Tickets for the game have been sold out for a while now, which has become customary in Guardians history.
Originally, the idea was to play an afternoon game but special circumstances forced the organization to push back the start time to 5:10 p.m. ET.
Why?
Well, because of something that hasn’t happened in a very long time: a total solar eclipse.
FOX Sports: MLB posted a short video taken at 3 p.m. ET.
“Progressive Field at 3pm during the Solar eclipse,” they wrote in the caption.
You can see for yourself:
Progressive Field at 3pm during the Solar eclipse 👀
It looks like a night game!
The total eclipse caused a fascinating visual effect in the sky, and those present in the crowd were able to enjoy the view with special care and equipment, of course.
It’s definitely a special day in Cleveland, in what is shaping up to be a special start of the season.
With their 7-2 record in their first nine games, the Guards lead the AL Central by one game, over the 6-3 Detroit Tigers.
They just lost Shane Bieber for the season with an elbow injury that requires Tommy John surgery, but fans aren’t letting that ruin the momentum.
They intend to be loud on Monday as the Guards take on the White Sox in their opener.
For the first time in 2024, they will show the fans what they are capable of on the field.
This is a balanced team with a brilliant and deep pitching staff and an underrated offense which is much better than last year’s edition.