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James Shields will be honored on Rays’ sold-out opening day

The Rays are bringing back Shields to throw out the ceremonial first pitch Thursday at Tropicana Field.
 
James Shields, who pitched seven seasons with the Rays, will return to throw out the first pitch on opening day.
James Shields, who pitched seven seasons with the Rays, will return to throw out the first pitch on opening day. [ Times (2010) ]
Published March 27, 2023

TAMPA — “Big Game James” is returning to Tropicana Field for the Rays’ sold-out opening day. Before Thursday’s game against the Tigers, James Shields will symbolically retire as a Ray and throw out the first pitch.

This will be the 17th consecutive season the Rays have sold out their home opener (excluding the 2020 season when fans were not allowed in ballparks because of the COVID-19 pandemic).

Shields pitched 13 years in the big leagues, seven with the Rays, who will be celebrating the past 25 years of the franchise all season. He was the first pitcher in Rays history to win a World Series game, beating the Phillies in Game 2 in 2008.

He will also return to the suite that was formerly known as the “Big Game James Club.” In 2010, James and Ryane Shields, along with the Rays, donated a suite to start a special club for foster children. After Shields was traded to the Royals before the 2013 season, the suite was renamed the Home Run Club, but the team continued to work with children in the foster care system.

Tickets are available for the remainder of the homestand against the Tigers on Saturday and Sunday. Single-game tickets for all home games can be purchased through the MLB Ballpark app or online at RaysBaseball.com.

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