Joe Maddon Returns to Tropicana Field for World Series Ceremonies
Former Rays manager Joe Maddon returned to Tropicana Field for a World Series game, where he threw out the ceremonial first pitch and symbolically made a call to the bullpen, summoning former pitcher James Shields.
Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, October 26, 2026 —
Former Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon returned to Tropicana Field for a World Series game, taking part in pregame ceremonies that included throwing the ceremonial first pitch. He also symbolically made a call to the bullpen, summoning former pitcher James Shields.
The appearance brought Maddon and Shields together in a moment connected to the Rays’ past. The account describes the bullpen call as symbolic; it does not indicate that Shields entered the game or that the gesture affected play. No details were provided about the World Series matchup, the date of the game or the exact form of the ceremony.
Maddon’s return to Tropicana Field was the central feature of the event. His role as a former Rays manager linked the ceremony to the team, while Shields’s appearance as the pitcher summoned in the symbolic call added another former Rays figure to the moment. The available information does not specify how long either man was on the field or whether they made remarks.
The first pitch and bullpen gesture were ceremonial rather than reported game actions. Further details, including the opponent and the game’s result, were not provided. The account also does not state whether the appearance was part of a broader reunion or a one-time event.
Story summarized from the original created by By Marc Topkin, Times staff,By Nicolas Villamil, Times staff on www.tampabay.com, see more information here.
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