KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- OK, here's the important thing to know: James Shields earned the nickname "Big Game James" in the minor leagues because he was a fan of the Lakers and James Worthy, who went by that moniker. Unfortunately, with a nickname like that comes the inevitable fallout on Twitter when you don't deliver the goods.
Shields hasn't delivered in the postseason. Before his World Series Game 1 start, he had a career postseason ERA of 5.19 in nine starts. He's now allowed 28 hits and 15 runs in 19 innings this postseason, after his early exit Tuesday.
"Big Game" James Shields doesn't live up to nickname, giving up 5 runs in 3 IP. Career postseason ERA rises to 5.74. pic.twitter.com/2dDQt4NDuK
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 22, 2014
There will be columns written before Game 5 that worry James Shields is mentally incapable of pitching in big games.
— Sam Miller (@SamMillerBP) October 22, 2014
I get the irony and all, but has anyone SERIOUSLY called James Shields "Big Game" in years?
— Joe Posnanski (@JPosnanski) October 22, 2014
"Get me my lawyer and have him draw up a cease and desist prepared for Mr. Shields." - James Worthy.
— Howard Bryant (@hbryant42) October 22, 2014
Helluva stat, Shields first pitcher to give up 3 in top 1st of WS Game 1 since Drysdale. "Hey, James, you tied a WS record w/ Don Drysdale!"
— Brian Murphy (@knbrmurph) October 22, 2014