Prior to the home opener, on Thursday March 30 at 3:10 PM, former Rays pitcher James Shields will symbolically retire as a Ray and throw out the Ceremonial First Pitch. During the game, James Shields will also visit the “Home Run Club” suite, formerly known as the “Big Game James Club,” reuniting with founding club members.
In 2010, James and Ryane Shields, along with the Rays, donated a suite to begin a special club for foster kids called the “Big Game James Club.” In 2013, the suite was renamed “Home Run Club” following Shields’ trade to the Kansas City Royals.