Guardians turn home opener pregame into 2024 solar eclipse viewing party

Baseball is typically the main attraction at Cleveland's Progressive Field. But on Monday, with a total solar eclipse moving across North America — including 15 U.S. states and parts of Mexico and eastern Canada — the moon blocking the sun provided the main event for millions.

The Cleveland Guardians moved the start of their home game versus the Chicago White Sox on Monday to allow fans to watch the eclipse and not let the natural phenomenon interfere with the play on the field. Besides, the players were just as excited to watch the eclipse as fans and media, as evidenced by some excellent photos and videos from the scene.

Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers players were also seen checking out the eclipse during their pregame warm-ups.

Baseball wasn't the only sport that briefly took a back seat Monday. Players, caddies, fans and reporters at Augusta National Golf Club stopped to look up at the sky during a practice round for the Masters.

Some athletes who weren't at sporting events showed their interest in the phenomenon as well. Joining millions of other spectators across the path of the eclipse were Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his family and members of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team.

The spectacle of the moon blocking the sun and casting a shadow across the United States made everyone a fan and spectator, creating a rare shared experience and making for some memorable images across the sports world.