Joe Maddon's mere presence may have hurt the team he manages Tuesday night.
As the Cubs invaded U.S. Cellular Field for the final night on the South Side of this Crosstown series, Maddon's current team was tasked with facing one of his old friends.
James Shields pitched for Maddon in Tampa Bay for seven years and the veteran right-hander took the hill for the White Sox Tuesday night, spinning a gem — 7.2 shutout innings allowing four singles and four walks.
After the game, Shields — nicknamed "Big Game James" by some — credited Maddon for his outing.
"I get amped up every game pretty much. But I always want to get amped up in front of my old manager," Shields said. "I have a lot of respect for Joe. He helped build me into who I am today.
"I always want to go out there and show him, especially being 34 years old, that I’ve got this thing."
Maddon certainly noticed.
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The Cubs manager admitted "that's what he looks like" when talking about Shields' outing.
The Cubs had pursued Shields in free agency prior to the 2015 season and came close to deal before the right-hander opted to sign with the San Diego Padres for four years and $75 million.
Part of the reason was Shields' competitiveness and desire to finish every game he starts.
"During the first part of the game, I went up to [John] Lackey and I said Shieldsy went to John Lackey Junior College at some point in his life," Maddon said. "I said I used to compare Shieldsy to you all the time back in Tampa Bay, whenever James would [refuse to come out of a game].
"So Johnny giggled about that. Very similar guys — highly competitive, believe they can beat anybody on any given day. You gotta love that about him. He's very good."