Rain Postpones Shane Bieber’s Rehab Start, Hamilton Prepares for Hall of Fame Speech

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Rain disrupted Shane Bieber’s planned rehab start on Sunday for Class AAA Columbus against Buffalo. The game at Huntington Park was canceled due to weather conditions, forcing Bieber to adjust his recovery plans.

Bieber, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow performed in April 2024, is expected to pitch for another minor league affiliate on Tuesday. Columbus is off the table as the Clippers will be in Florida facing Jacksonville. Despite a setback last May due to soreness in his elbow, he has shown improvements in his recovery.

On Tuesday, Bieber pitched three innings for Class A Lake County, allowing only one run. So far, he has made three rehab starts with Cleveland’s Arizona Complex League team and Lake County.

Meanwhile, in Cleveland, long-time broadcaster Tom Hamilton is preparing for his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum on Saturday. As the 2025 winner of the Ford C. Frick Award, Hamilton will deliver a speech highlighting his 36 years of calling Cleveland baseball games. Family and friends will gather to support him as he reflects on his broadcasting journey.

Hamilton recalls growing up on a dairy farm in Waterloo, Wisconsin, where he first heard baseball on the radio. His childhood aspirations included becoming a major league player, but he pivoted to sports broadcasting, taking every opportunity to climb the ranks.

Throughout his career, Hamilton has built a reputation for detailed preparation and dedication. “He’s a bit of a perfectionist,” his wife Wendy said, noting his commitment to his craft while balancing family life. Hamilton has called nearly 6,000 regular-season games and garnered numerous memorable moments, including spontaneous commentary that echoes the broadcasting legends before him.

As both Bieber continues his journey back to the mound and Hamilton prepares for a momentous occasion, the spirit of the Guardians and their dedicated fans remains strong.