7 Baseball Players who Played for Royals and Rays
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Kansas City Royals and Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Royals and the Rays.
James Shields
James Shields earned the nickname “Big Game James” for his reputation of delivering strong performances in crucial games. Shields began his MLB career with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2006 and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of their rotation.
During his time with the Rays, he played a crucial role in the team’s transformation from perennial cellar dwellers to American League champions. In 2008, he helped lead the Rays to their first-ever World Series appearance.
In 2012, Shields was traded to the Kansas City Royals. With the Royals, he continued to be a reliable and effective starter, helping guide the team to a World Series appearance in 2014, their first since 1985, although they were defeated by the Giants. Following his time with the Royals, Shields pitched for the Padres and the White Sox.
Shields Key Stats
- All-Star (Rays)
- 200+ Strikeout Season (Rays, Padres)
Carlos Pena
Carlos Peña, who played from 2001 to 2014, made his mark as a first baseman primarily with the Tampa Bay Rays. However, Pena also had stops at 7 other clubs including the Tigers, Rangers, Royals, Red Sox, A’s, Cubs and Astros.
Known for his power-hitting ability, Peña accumulated over 1100 hits, 286 home runs and went over 100 RBIs 3 times in a season (Rays). He had a standout season in 2007, when he hit .282 with 46 homers and 121 RBIs, earning him the Silver Slugger Award and Comeback Player of the Year honors.
Pena won a Gold Glove in 2008 and was also an All-Star in 2009 (both with Rays).
Ben Zobrist
Ben Zobrist, a versatile player renowned for his switch-hitting capabilities and his ability to play multiple positions, spent 14 seasons in Major League Baseball from 2005 to 2019.
He began his career with the Tampa Bay Rays and was later a key figure in championship teams for the Kansas City Royals in 2015 and the Chicago Cubs in 2016. In his career, Zobrist batted .266 with 167 home runs and 768 RBIs.
He was also selected to the All-Star team three times (Rays, Cubs) and won the World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2016 when he hit a crucial RBI double in Game 7 to help the Cubs win their first championship since 1908.
Johnny Damon
Johnny Damon had a successful 18-year Major League Baseball career, most notably with the Kansas City Royals, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees. A talented outfielder and proficient leadoff hitter, he recorded a .284 career batting average with 2769 hits, 235 home runs, and 408 stolen bases.
Damon’s speed and ability to get on base were valuable assets, helping both the Red Sox in 2004 and the Yankees in 2009 secure World Series Championships.
Known for his affable personality and distinctive long hair and beard during his time with the Red Sox, Damon was a fan favorite and an influential figure in the clubhouse. He was named to the All-Star team twice, in 2002 and 2005.
Damon Key Stats
- All-Star (Red Sox)
- 40+ Stolen Base Season (Royals)
James Shields
James Shields, also known as “Big Game James”, is a right-handed pitcher who played for 13 seasons from 2006 to 2018. Shields began his career with the Tampa Bay Rays and later played for the Kansas City Royals, San Diego Padres, and Chicago White Sox.
Over his career, Shields had a win-loss record of 145-139 with a 4.01 ERA and 2234 strikeouts. He had a particularly outstanding 2011 season with the Rays, earning him an All-Star selection and finishing third in the Cy Young Award voting. Shields was a key contributor to the 2014 Royals team that reached the World Series.
Hideo Nomo
Hideo Nomo was a trailblazing pitcher who played from 1995 to 2008. Best known for his time with the Dodgers, he also played for one year each with the Royals, Rays, Mets, Red Sox, Tigers and Brewers.
Nomo was the first Japanese player in the MLB in the modern era and he immediately made a splash, earning the Rookie of the Year award in 1995.
Known for his distinctive “tornado” delivery, Nomo racked up over 120 wins and more than 1,900 strikeouts during his career including a National League leading 236 in his rookie season.
He also threw two no-hitters, one of them in the notoriously hitter-friendly Coors Field.
Jonny Gomes
Jonny Gomes, who played from 2003 to 2015, is best known for his time as an outfielder with the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox.
In his 13-year career, Gomes accumulated over 800 hits, hit 162 home runs, and maintained a .242 career batting average. A key figure in the clubhouse, he was part of the 2013 World Series-winning Red Sox team and is remembered for his pivotal home run in Game 4 of the series.
His best season came in 2005 with the Rays when he hit .282 with 21 home runs and 54 RBIs.
