Cornerstone's Big Game James, "Shields"
was named after one of my favorite Rays' ace pitchers, James Shields
coined "Big Game James" for his ability to throw complete games and
come up with a win in clutch situations. Sadly for his fans, James
was traded to the Kansas City Royals while Shields was earning his
Championship. Shields went on to earn his Bronze Grand
Championship and earn an invitation to the Eukanuba NOHS National
Championships while being ranked #1 in the spring of 2014 but there
was no way to tell his namesake.
I asked Fox News sports anchor - and
fellow retriever owner - Chip Carter to see if he could arrange a
meeting between the two Shields when the Royals came to town. Chip
made some calls and the message got to James who graciously said yes.
Unknown to any of us, James and his
family are Lab lovers and have two of their own.
~ Shields & Shields Go Viral ~
http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/story/26000586/shieldsy-the-pitcher-meets-shieldsy-the-dog
MLB Network happened to be at the
ballpark that day with Fox News Tampa and Fox News Kansas City when
I had the honor of presenting James with a copy of Shield's Grand
Champion Certificate. The Royals web site featured the story
and then the American Kennel Club picked it up.
http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/83904930/royals-ace-james-shields-visits-dog-named-big-game-james
(James kindly autographed two Champion
certificates for Laurie and I.)
For a baseball fan it was a huge thrill
to meet James. And for a breeder it
was one of those sweet rewards for the hope you had years before for
a bunny sized ball of fluff with a very big name.
Thank you Laurie for doing such a superb
job with Shields.
Thank you Chip for making it happen.
BTW, James took Shields into the Royals'
locker room inviting the players to rub him for luck. I'm not
superstitious HOWEVER.... James and the Royals went on to win the
American League Pennant and Shields went on to win Best Of Breed in
the NOHS National Championships. I'm just saying......
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