Parrish veteran T-Bone Shelby watches World Series return to Tropicana Field

John Shelby, a Parrish resident known as T-Bone, stood among fans outside Tropicana Field on Sunday as the World Series resumed play in a venue still bearing the marks of Hurricane Milton damage.

Shelby is a two-time World Series champion. He won his first title with the Baltimore Orioles in 1983 and his second with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1988. He keeps original jerseys, rings, bats, and trophies from both championships. He noted that he signed all of his 1988 World Series memorabilia.

The 2026 World Series features the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers. Both franchises have historical ties to the Shelby family. Shelby’s son, John Shelby III, played college baseball at the University of Kentucky before being drafted by the Chicago White Sox. He reached the triple-A level with the Rays.

John Shelby III now works as a baseball agent. He described the sport as a family constant, stating that they never forced the activity. He observed that the current matchup pits two small market teams against one another.

John Shelby III said that small market teams focus intensely on fundamental baseball. This includes making plays and handling the small details. He emphasized that every player on the roster must buy into that approach.

The senior Shelby said he understands the current fans' excitement because of his own championship experiences. He watched the gathering from outside the ballpark in St. Petersburg, where the atmosphere remained lively despite the recent storm.