Guardians announce Travis Kelce has become minority owner

CLEVELAND — Travis Kelce is buying what the Guardians are selling. The team announced Wednesday that the Kansas City Chiefs star tight end, Cleveland Heights native and two-time Super Bowl champion had purchased a minority stake in the franchise. Kelce was at Rocket Arena with his fiancée, global star recording artist Taylor Swift, on Saturday for the Cavaliers' Game 3 loss to the Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals. "Everyone knows how much love I have for this city, so to have the opportunity to come back and join the Guardians' ownership group is the coolest thing in the world," Kelce said in a statement released by the Guardians. "I've always looked for ways to support and uplift my hometown, so I can't wait to keep sharing the love and the passion I have for sports and this community as we look to bring a World Series title back to The Land." Manager Stephen Vogt hasn't met Kelce, but he has a bone to pick with him for beating his favorite professional football team. "I'm still a little bit bitter because the Chiefs beat the Niners twice in the Super Bowl (2020 and '24), but outside of that, it's pretty cool," Vogt said prior to the series finale against the Nationals on Wednesday afternoon. (It's) pretty cool to have Kelce on board." Kelce, 36, played football, basketball and baseball for Cleveland Heights High. He also also played on a collegiate summer baseball team — the Champions Academy — in 2010 while he was at the University of Cincinnati. In the NFL, Kelce is considered one of the greatest players in history at his position. "Travis Kelce knows what it takes to win at the highest levels and he's exemplified that throughout his playing career and in the way he shows up as a community leader and businessman," owner Paul Dolan and partner David Blitzer said in a joint statement. "He cares deeply for Cleveland and northeast Ohio and is committed to supporting our mission of building a world-class organization that helps uplift the communities we serve. It's great to welcome Travis home and we know he'll make a lasting impact here." Kelce, who threw out a ceremonial first pitch at Progressive Field in 2023 — spiking it past former Cleveland ace Shane Bieber — elaborated on his ownership stake on his "New Heights" podcast with his brother Jason Kelce. He will be in attendance at Progressive Field on Sunday, June 14, when the Guardians host the Tigers. Until then, Kelce plans on supporting the Guardians from afar. "I have so much love for this city," he told ESPN. "I say it all the time: I'm just a kid from the Heights living the dream. I credit every good thing in my life to Cleveland and being raised here with the values and the people and the work ethic. Cleveland Heights is such a diverse and dynamic place. Every friend, neighbor, teacher and teammate — they all made me the man I am today. It just fueled such a deep appreciation for life and community, and service. That mentality of Cleveland against the world runs deep. "I've been lucky enough to have a front-row seat to good ownership in my career, and I know the best teams prioritize culture. Everyone is there to play their role, and right now, I'm here to observe and learn and really to support the team and the city when and where I can." Next up The Guardians are off today before beginning a three-game series against the Red Sox on Friday night at 7:10. RHP Slade Cecconi (3-5, 5.18 ERA) opens the set for Cleveland, while LHP Parker Messick (6-1, 2.24) goes Saturday (4:10 p.m.). RHP Tanner Bibee (0-7, 4.57) starts the series finale Sunday at 1:40 p.m. Doctor's office Gabriel Arias (hamstring strain) fielded grounders at third base prior to Tuesday's game. He took live batting practice Wednesday at Double-A Akron, according to Vogt. "Gabby's going to hopefully go out on a rehab assignment soon," Vogt said. "So, his baseball activity is progressing. We're excited to get Gabby back, but there's still a long ways to go." With Brayan Rocchio playing well in place of him at shortstop, and Travis Bazzana doing the same at second, and Jose Ramirez at third, it is likely Arias will fill a utility role if and when he returns. Roundin' third Cleveland's bullpen entered Wednesday owning a major league-leading 2.43 ERA since April 18 (36 games). Through Tuesday, closer Cade Smith had converted 15 straight save opportunities since April 16. l The Guardians entered Wednesday with the third-lowest strikeout rate (20.1 percent) in the majors. Contact Chris Assenheimer at (440) 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com. Like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @CAwesomeheimer.