 Adams still uses the same 26 @-@ inch @-@ wide bass drum he began with in 1973 . He has stated that he bought it as part of a set for $ 25 at a garage sale . It has the same head on the side of the drum that Adams does not beat , but Adams has stated that he replaces the other side about twice a year and also goes through about three sets of mallets each year . During games , Adams tends to drum at particular moments : when the Indians take the field at the beginning of the game , if the Indians have runners in scoring position , if the Indians are tied or trailing near the end of the game , or if they are winning at the top of the ninth inning . Because of his drumming , Adams became a celebrity and his drum was soon nicknamed Big Chief Boom @-@ Boom , by Indians radio announcer Herb Score . It has also helped him meet politicians , including U.S. senators and a Pakistani government official . 
