James Shields, known by many as "Big Game James," enjoyed a lengthy career in Major League Baseball as a right-handed pitcher. Born on December 20, 1981, in Newhall, California, Shields was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 16th round of the 2000 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut with the team on May 31, 2006, against the Baltimore Orioles.
Shields quickly established himself as a reliable starter for the Rays. In 2007, he completed his first full season in the majors, posting a 12-8 record with a 3.85 ERA and 184 strikeouts. His performance helped solidify his role in the Rays' rotation. The following year, Shields played a crucial role in leading the Rays to their first-ever World Series appearance. During the 2008 season, he recorded a 14-8 record with a 3.56 ERA, and his efforts in the postseason were instrumental in the team's success.
Throughout his tenure with the Rays, Shields was known for his durability and ability to pitch deep into games. He led the American League in complete games in 2011 with 11, showcasing his stamina and consistency on the mound. That same year, he earned his first and only All-Star selection and finished third in the Cy Young Award voting, ending the season with a 16-12 record and a 2.82 ERA.
In December 2012, Shields was traded to the Kansas City Royals in a deal that sent top prospect Wil Myers to Tampa Bay. His time with the Royals further cemented his reputation as a workhorse pitcher. In 2013, he posted a 13-9 record with a 3.15 ERA, helping the Royals to their first winning season in a decade. The following year, Shields played a vital role in the Royals' journey to the 2014 World Series, where they ultimately fell to the San Francisco Giants. During the regular season, he achieved a 14-8 record with a 3.21 ERA.
After his stint with the Royals, Shields entered free agency and signed a four-year contract with the San Diego Padres in February 2015. His time in San Diego was marked by mixed results. In his first season with the Padres, he recorded a 13-7 record with a 3.91 ERA. However, his performance declined in 2016, leading to a mid-season trade to the Chicago White Sox.
Shields' tenure with the White Sox was challenging, as he struggled to regain his previous form. Over parts of three seasons with Chicago, he compiled a 16-35 record with an ERA above 5.00. Despite these struggles, Shields continued to be a veteran presence in the clubhouse and provided leadership to younger players.
In 2018, Shields pitched his final season in the majors, finishing with a 7-16 record and a 4.53 ERA. He announced his retirement from professional baseball in 2019, concluding a career that spanned 13 seasons. Over the course of his career, Shields amassed a 145-139 record, a 4.01 ERA, and 2,234 strikeouts in 2,773.2 innings pitched.
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