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Royals pitcher James Shields pays touching tribute to Don Zimmer

By Dan Zinski

Jun 3, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher James Shields (33) throws to a St. Louis Cardinals batter during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 3, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher James Shields (33) throws to a St. Louis Cardinals batter during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Don Zimmer coached James Shields when both were with the Tampa Bay Rays, so Shields naturally wanted to pay tribute to Zim, who passed away a few days ago at the age of 83. Shields, now a member of the Royals, found the perfect understated way to show his appreciation for Zimmer, a great baseball man for over six decades and one of the most beloved figures in all the major leagues.

Just a simple message scrawled on his hat. That was enough for Shields to get across his great affection for Zimmer.

It’s pretty obvious from the major outpouring of love and warmth in the wake of Zimmer’s passing what a great impact Zim had on the people he worked with over the many years of his career, from player to manager to coach. James Shields certainly felt that.

Zimmer won’t be forgotten any time soon, either by the players or fans. Or Pedro Martinez. Or Mario Soto (if you want to go back a little way). Zimmer was the embodiment of the true baseball man.

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