⚾ Guardians Home Opener + State Of Cleveland + Cavs Last Shot

Remember how poorly Cleveland handled January's snowstorms? Mayor Bibb remembers. He's sorry. Spring weather, however, is (almost) here just in time for the Cleveland Guardians home opener today. (We're giddy for the Guardians!) And the Cavs get a final shot tonight!

⚾ + 🏀 = a great day to be alive in Cleveland. ❤️

Weather: Windy ... ☔ and a shower in the p.m. High: 60 Low: 43.

3 Things To Know: The State Of Cleveland

Saying he did not "promise to be a perfect mayor," Justin Bibb delivered his first State of the City speech Thursday on his 100th day as Cleveland's mayor. He acknowledged botching the city's response to January's blizzard-battered streets. "We fell short, and I fell short," he said.

Here are three more key points Mayor Bibb made in his 45-minute address to the City Club of Cleveland.

1. People cannot get responses from city officials to their complaints and concerns. The 311 system has been audited for “disconnects and shortcomings” and fixes are in the works.
2. This year's budget gap of $62 million will be patched with federal funds. The mayor called it a "transition" plan and vowed not to repeat it. Still, he called Cleveland's finances "stable."
3. Public safety staffing shortages will be fixed and police reform is under way. Bibb didn't share details of his reform agenda, however. In the past, he's said mental health professionals should be responding with officers on certain types of calls.

• watch on the City Club's YouTube channel
• read more on cleveland.com and wksu.org

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John Adams And His Drum Will Miss Guardians Home Opener

⚾ The man who's pounded an enormous bass drum in the bleachers of Cleveland Indians home games since 1973 will miss the first Cleveland Guardians home opener due to a host of health issues. John Adams missed the home opener last year in the Indians' final season under the team's former name. Writes Mandy Bell of mlb.com:

When we checked in with Adams last year, he had four broken ribs, then triple bypass surgery and then another heart surgery. His thyroid was out of whack, causing his energy levels to be even lower than expected. He had three trips to the ICU and was bedridden for an extended period of time. And while he was finally able to get back to his house in February 2021, the ailments continued to pop up.

We wish you a speedy recovery and better health. We need you on the drum, sir. Cleveland baseball isn't the same without you!

Tom Hanks will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. And Larry Doby Jr., the son of Cleveland Indians legend Larry Doby, the first Black player in the American League, will catch it.

🌭 More Cleveland Guardians news:

• Guardians make Jose Ramirez’s seven-year $141 million extension official
• Here’s how Steven Kwan became baseball’s hottest rookie hitter
• Guardians offense ranked among baseball's best so far
• Team changes bag policy for fans: What you need to know
• Watch the game on WKYC with first pitch set at 7:10 p.m.

Cavs Last Stand

🏀 Meanwhile, right next door, the Cleveland Cavaliers will challenge the Atlanta Hawks for an NBA playoff spot Friday night. Point guard Darius Garland, of course, must play like the All-Star he is. WKYC's Danny Cunningham believes the key to victory are the Cavs "role players," writing " poor games from Isaac Okoro, Cedi Osman, Lauri Markkanen and Lamar Stevens all put the team in a tough spot to overcome the early 40-20 deficit (against the Nets)." Without better play, the Hawks will fly away with the No. 8 seed. (wkyc.com)

Today's Top 5

1. Do you love the "monster tots" at the Rowley Inn in Tremont? "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" is about to make this Cleveland neighborhood pub Fieri famous with a spot on Guy Fieri's show Friday night. The show airs at 9 p.m. on the Food Network. This week, the Rowley Inn introduced new menus, including a sandwich called the Son of Godzilla. (Facebook and wkyc.com)
2. Two men accused of forcing a woman from an RTA station into a car in a crime that shocked Greater Cleveland have been indicted on charges of kidnapping, human trafficking, attempting to compel prostitution. The woman escaped their clutches. (cleveland.com)
3. Parma filmmaker Dan Wingenfeld recently screened his debut movie, “My Summer In Ohio,” a story about Cleveland teens staging a fireworks show to honor a friend who recently died — and Tom Cruise's July 3rd birthday. (Yes, you read that correctly.) Wingenfeld, who made the film on a $7,000 budget, is a graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School and Ohio University. (cleveland.com)
4. The famous Ferris wheel at the I-X Center will be leaving its 25-year home for new digs. The Ferris wheel and zip line will be moving to Canton. (fox8.com)
5. Cleveland Fire Chief Angelo Calvillo will retire next month. The 33-year fire division veteran has been chief for almost seven years. (cleveland.com)

Just The Links

• Former Cuyahoga County corrections officer sentenced to 4 years in prison for sex charges
• Ohio Supreme Court rejects fourth set of state legislative district maps
• Avon woman, 43, killed by alleged drunken driver In Illinois
• St. Charles Borromeo Parish announces yearlong centennial celebration
• Cleveland to spend $12 million in taxes bailing out the failing Shaker Square

Today in Cleveland

• Silver Screen April 2022 - Boy Scouts of America - Lake Erie Council (6 p.m.)
• Latinx Make Art! - Cleveland Public Library Main Branch Virtual Events (6:30 p.m.)

Cleveland Social

• Cleveland Browns: "Welcome to Cleveland, Josh! Let's work 🚀" (Instagram)
• Cleveland Cavaliers: "🗣️ Be early! 🗣️ 𝗕𝗘 𝗟𝗢𝗨𝗗! We need that Junkyard Dog energy ALL. GAME. LONG. on Friday 🐶 #LetEmKnow" (Instagram)
• Cleveland Metroparks: "The Rocky River Reservation Bald Eagle pair has an eaglet! Hatched on April 11, this tiny ball of fluffy white down feathers now begins the 10-14 week journey to a fledgling juvenile. The adult pair is intensely guarding their newborn. (Facebook)
• Cleveland Public Library: "#TBT How much is a trolley ticket? This 1953 image shows the Clark Avenue streetcar headed south on West 25th Street towards Denison Avenue and West 100th Street. The West Side Market (@westsidemarket) is visible in the background. 📸 (Facebook)

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Events:

• EVR Shooting Basics: In this instructor-led, 90-minute beginner course, students will gain a fundamental understanding of the concepts and techniques involved in shooting a pistol or handgun (April 16)
• Cuyahoga County Solar Co-op Online Info Session Round 2 (April 21)
• Goldfish Swim School Cleveland East Side Hiring Event (April 27)
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You're all caught up for today!

ICYMI, here's Thursday: 😺 Sexy Catsuit + Baby Born On I-90 + Baker Mayfield Disrespected

And here's more from this week in Greater Cleveland