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CLEVELAND – Travis Kelce, renowned three-time Super Bowl champion and four-time All-Pro tight end, has added a new title to his impressive résumé: minority owner of the Cleveland Guardians.
The Guardians revealed Wednesday, ahead of their game against the Washington Nationals, that the Kansas City Chiefs star has acquired a minority stake in the Major League Baseball franchise. Kelce purchased a portion of David Blitzer’s 35% ownership share, with Blitzer retaining the option to become the controlling owner after the 2027 season.
A Cleveland Heights native, Kelce expressed deep pride in his new role during an appearance on the “New Heights” podcast alongside his brother, Jason Kelce. “The opportunity came across my desk and I just couldn’t say no,” he said.
“These guys [Blitzer and majority owner Paul Dolan] gave me the chance to show my Cleveland love and plant my roots here forever. It’s an incredible feeling to be a childhood kid from the east side who is now part-owner of his favorite baseball team.”
Kelce’s connection to Cleveland baseball runs deep. In high school, he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball at Cleveland Heights High School, earning recognition as the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s baseball player of the week in 2008. He also continued playing baseball at the collegiate level while attending the University of Cincinnati.
Guardians owners Dolan and Blitzer praised Kelce’s commitment to the community and his leadership qualities. “Travis knows what it takes to win at the highest levels and has shown that throughout his career and as a community leader and businessman,” they said.
“He cares deeply for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, and we are excited to welcome him home. We know he’ll make a lasting impact on the organization and the communities we serve.”
During the podcast, Kelce sported a Guardians City Connect jersey and fondly recalled attending games as a child, citing childhood favorites Albert Belle and Jim Thome. “There are countless memories from the ’90s and early 2000s that fuel my passion for the Guardians. Being part of the team is a dream come true for any Cleveland kid, and I’m honored to represent us,” he shared.
Kelce and music superstar Taylor Swift were recently in Cleveland to attend Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Cavaliers and the New York Knicks.
As part of his new role, Kelce will throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Guardians’ June 14 game against the Detroit Tigers. He previously attempted the first pitch during Cleveland’s 2023 home opener, though that throw ended up bouncing awkwardly near the plate.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, a devoted San Francisco 49ers fan, admitted mixed feelings about Kelce’s addition. “I’m still a bit bitter since the Chiefs beat the Niners twice in the Super Bowl,” Vogt joked. “But aside from that, it’s pretty cool to have Kelce on board.”
Kelce joins fellow Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes, who holds a stake in the Kansas City Royals, marking a growing trend of NFL players investing in baseball franchises. Mahomes even congratulated Kelce on social media following his first pitch announcement.
This new chapter cements Kelce’s enduring connection to his hometown and its sports legacy, underscoring his commitment to Cleveland beyond the football field.