Guards for All

At the Cleveland Guardians, we believe that baseball is for everyone. Our purpose - the reason why we exist - is to Unite and Inspire Our City with the Power of Team, and we know that starts with making sure everyone feels welcome —on and off the field.

That’s why we created Guards for All. It isn’t just a slogan—it’s our rally cry. It’s the belief that baseball should belong to everyone, and a commitment to making that real every day.

Guards for All is a promise—to our fans, our city, and each other—that everyone has a place here. It shows up in how we honor our history, how we welcome all communities, and how we create a ballpark experience where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected.

It’s who we’ve been. It’s who we are. And it’s where we’re going—together.

For over 100 years, the Cleveland Guardians have made history by breaking barriers in baseball. From Larry Doby to our recent name change, our story is about more than just the game—it’s about progress.

In 1947, Larry Doby became the first African American player in the American League. Soon after, Satchel Paige joined the team and later became the first Negro Leagues player inducted into the Hall of Fame.

In 1975, Frank Robinson made history as MLB’s first African American manager. Even earlier, players like Louis Sockalexis, a Native American outfielder in the 1890s, and Beto Avila, the first Mexican American MLB player in the 1940s, helped shape our legacy.

The Guardians have always been part of baseball’s bigger story— and that legacy continues today through Guards for All, our ongoing commitment to making baseball more welcoming for everyone.

Launched in 2021, Community Celebrations presented by Nestlé are our way of recognizing, uplifting, and celebrating the many vibrant communities that make up the city of Cleveland. These special nights bring culture, connection, and education to the ballpark through live entertainment, community spotlights, and fan engagement opportunities.

In 2025, we’re proud to partner with Nestlé as the Presenting Sponsor of our Community Night series. Join us as we celebrate the following nights:

• Friday, May 30 – Asian American & Pacific Islander Night
• Friday, June 6 – Pride Night
• Friday, June 27 – Black Excellence Night
• Friday, July 18 – Disability Awareness Night
• Friday, August 15 – Hispanic Heritage Night

Each night features:

• Special ticket packages with exclusive community-themed items
• Pre-game activations spotlighting local leaders and stories
• In-ballpark entertainment and educational moments throughout the game

Come celebrate with us—because baseball is better when everyone’s included.

Guards in the City is how we bring the spirit of Progressive Field into the heart of Cleveland.

This community outreach initiative connects our team with neighborhoods across the city through local festivals, youth clinics, nonprofit partnerships, and small business support. Whether we're hosting baseball activities, showing up for local causes, or celebrating the rich culture of our city, Guards in the City is about being present, engaged, and rooted in the community we call home.

Because being a team for Cleveland means showing up for Cleveland—all year long.

At the Guardians, we’re committed to creating a workplace where every teammate feels a deep sense of belonging, purpose, and support. One way we bring that commitment to life is through our Affinity Groups—employee-led communities that unite people around shared experiences.

These groups are open to all employees—whether you identify with the group or want to show your support—and play a vital role in shaping our culture. Through events, learning opportunities, and feedback, they help ensure everyone feels seen, heard, and valued—from the clubhouse to the front office.

The ‘Going to Bat for Small Business presented by PNC’ program highlights Greater Cleveland-area businesses that have made a positive impact within the community.

The program, which is a first for the Guardians franchise, intends to give small businesses a boost by leveraging the team’s platform to promote the selected companies.  A committee of local business and community leaders served as judges and selected winners based on the positive influence each business has had on its respective community and the expected impact that the marketing support will have on each organization.

We believe Progressive Field should be a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. That’s why we’re committed to continuously improving access and experiences for all fans, including those with visible and invisible disabilities.

For more information, visit our Accessibility Information page.