Cleveland Olympian to Throw First Pitch at Guardians Home Opener

Laila Edwards, a hometown hero, will kick off the Guardians' 2026 season at Progressive Field.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:15pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a figure skater in mid-jump, with their body and movements broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in deep blue, bright red, and shimmering gold tones, conveying the dynamic energy and triumph of an Olympic champion.A hometown hero's Olympic triumph inspires a celebratory home opener for the Cleveland Guardians.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Guardians will honor their city's Olympic champion Laila Edwards by having her throw out the ceremonial first pitch at their 2026 home opener on April 3. Edwards, a native of Cleveland Heights, recently won a gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

Why it matters

Inviting a local Olympic hero to start the Guardians' season is a meaningful way for the team to celebrate their community's athletic achievements and connect with fans. Edwards' story of perseverance and success will inspire the city of Cleveland as they cheer on their home team.

The details

Laila Edwards, a 24-year-old figure skater from Cleveland Heights, will take the mound at Progressive Field to throw out the first pitch before the Guardians' home opener against the Detroit Tigers on April 3, 2026. Edwards recently won a gold medal in the women's singles event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, cementing her status as a hometown hero.

  • Laila Edwards won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in February.
  • The Guardians' 2026 home opener is scheduled for Friday, April 3.

The players

Laila Edwards

A 24-year-old figure skater from Cleveland Heights, Ohio who recently won a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy.

Cleveland Guardians

The Major League Baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio that plays its home games at Progressive Field.

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What they’re saying

“Laila's incredible achievement at the Olympics has inspired our entire city. We're thrilled to have her kick off our season and celebrate her success with our fans.”

— Paul Dolan, Owner, Cleveland Guardians

What’s next

The Guardians will hold a special pregame ceremony to honor Laila Edwards and her Olympic gold medal win before the home opener on April 3.

The takeaway

Inviting a local Olympic champion to participate in the Guardians' home opener is a heartwarming way for the team to connect with their community and celebrate Cleveland's athletic excellence on the national stage.