Lake County Captains to Host “Living The Dream With Lacey” Event on 2026 Opening Day

EASTLAKE, Ohio – The Lake County Captains are proud to partner with the Deepwood Foundation to host “Living The Dream With Lacey” on Lake County’s 2026 Opening Day, Thursday, April 2, at 6:35 p.m.

Lacey Johnston has always dreamed of being a professional baseball player. She loves the game of baseball, and has been an avid fan of the game her whole life. Lacey has had the pleasure of playing the game she loves as a longtime member of the Miracle League of Lake County, which hosts its games adjacent to Classic Auto Group Park in Eastlake.

Tonight, during the Captains home opener, the club will be giving her the opportunity to make her dream come true by being part of a professional baseball team for a day.

As part of Lake County’s 2026 season opener, Lacey will throw a ceremonial first pitch on the field, which has served as the home of many current Cleveland Guardians. She will also join the Captains on the field with her Miracle League teammates, as her team will be honored as Lake County’s “Field of Dreams Team” for the 2026 season.

“Minor League Baseball is all about creating moments the community will remember,” Captains General Manager Jen Yorko said. “When we bring unique experiences like this to Classic Auto Group Park, it reminds fans that a night with the Lake County Captains is about more than baseball — it’s about family, fun, and celebrating the creativity of our community. Partnerships like this help us create those unforgettable moments together.”

“Tonight’s first pitch is more than the start of a baseball game – it’s a reminder that when communities believe in inclusion, every field becomes a place where dreams can take the mound,” Lacey’s mom Donna Kusar said.

Lacey has been counting down to this magical night, proudly saying, “I have a strong arm—watch me throw a strike!”

“What started as Lacey’s dream has become a powerful reminder of what inclusion looks like in our community,” Deepwood Foundation Executive Director Tana Habat said. “Thank you to the Lake County Captains for making this happen.”

Tickets for Lake County’s 2026 Opening Day game versus the West Michigan Whitecaps (High-A, Detroit Tigers) are on sale now at MiLB.com/lake-county. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on the Bally Sports Live App, MiLB.com, and StreamGuys, with social media coverage courtesy of @LCCaptains on X and Instagram.

About the Lake County Captains:

The Lake County Captains are the professional High-A Affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians located in Eastlake, Ohio. Our mission is to honor the rich history of our organization, while also introducing baseball to a new generation of fans through innovative means. We are committed to supporting our community, sports teams, and each other by demonstrating passion and having fun every day.

About the Deepwood Foundation:

The Deepwood Foundation provides assistance for basic life needs which are not being covered through traditional resources. With the support of individual, family and corporate donors, the Deepwood Foundation will assist children and adults challenged by a developmental disability. We invite you to join the movement and make a gift to support our friends with disabilities. For more information and to donate, contact deepwood.foundation@lakebdd.org or deepwoodfoundation.org.