Saturday Spotlight: James Shields

Saturday Spotlight is a weekly lightning round of questions delving into the personalities of major leaguers.

James Shields wasted no time in becoming a fixture in the Rays rotation. The Rays signed him to a four-year, $11.25-million deal before he started his second full season in the majors. He delivered, winning 14 games and helping the Rays to a surprising AL Pennant in 2008.

On to the questions...

What do you remember most about being a fan as a kid?
My favorite place to go to games was Dodger Stadium. I grew up around there. I only went to a handful of games, but one of the most memorable games I remember watching on TV was when Kirk Gibson hit that game-winning home run (in the 1988 World Series). Every time I rounded second in Little League after that I was doing the fist pump.

What do you remembrer most about your big league debut?
I was at Camden Yards. I just remember being in the bullpen and I heard the National Anthem. I realized just then I was on a big-league baseball field. It was the first time I was there and I remember looking at the warehouse and thinking about Cal Ripken Jr. when he was breaking the record and them putting the numbers up there.

What's the funniest thing you've ever seen on a baseball field?
In Boston, a fan ran on the field and security was chasing after him and he ended up putting three juke moves on them and the security guards chased him all the way across by our dugout and he went to jump into the stands and the security guard dove headfirst into the stands to tackle the guy.

Do you have any superstitions or habits?
I write the number 25 and 44 on the back of the mound whenever I pitch. One is for a buddy of mine who was killed by a drunk driver and the other is for the father of a good friend of mine who died.

What player do you most enjoy watching?
I always say my cousin, Aaron Rowand. I think he's one of the hardest working players in the big leagues.

What rule would you change?
The strike zone. I would probably make it much wider. Right now it goes more up and down and I'd make it more side to side, but that's just because I'm a pitcher.

Whats your best moment on a baseball field?
The best moment was Game 7 of the ALCS last year. Just being able to have that feeling, knowing we'd go to the World Series. That was the greatest feeling in the world. It was a lifelong dream I always wanted to accomplish. Not that many people can experience that kind of high.