Blake Snell's Emotional Return to Tropicana Field as a Visitor

In a highly anticipated reunion, Blake Snell stepped onto the field at Tropicana Field, but this time as a visitor with the San Francisco Giants. The two-time Cy Young Award winner, who spent the first five years of his major league career with the Tampa Bay Rays, couldn’t help but feel a wave of emotions wash over him.

“The barber shop,” Snell said with a reminiscent smile, referring to a familiar spot at the stadium. “A lot of new additions. It’s just cool to see how the years have gone and what’s new. I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time.”

Snell’s journey with the Rays began in 2011 when he was signed as a promising young talent. He quickly rose through the ranks, making his major league debut in 2016 and cementing his status as one of the game’s elite pitchers by winning the Cy Young Award in 2018 with a remarkable 21-5 record.

However, his time in Tampa Bay came to an abrupt end after the 2020 season when he was traded to the San Diego Padres, just two months after his controversial removal from Game 6 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite holding a 1-0 lead, Snell was pulled early, and the Dodgers rallied to claim the championship.

Now, as a member of the Giants on a $62 million, two-year contract, Snell finds himself back in familiar surroundings, but on the opposing side. “A lot of the same coaches are here, which is good,” he said, reflecting on the familiarity. “Some minor league coaches that I had are in the big leagues, so that’s amazing to see. But looking back, I’m really thankful for those years and how much energy all those coaches put into me to help me do it. Yeah, just very thankful.”

Snell’s debut with the Giants on Monday wasn’t quite as memorable, as he allowed three runs over three innings in an 8-1 loss to the Washington Nationals. However, the real highlight for him will be on Sunday when he takes the mound against his former team, the Rays.

“I was raised through the system,” Snell said, his voice heavy with emotion. “So when I got here, there was so much love and care for me and attention to me that made this place feel like home. So I’m excited to see what it feels like Sunday.”

Facing off against his former manager, Kevin Cash, and pitching coach, Kyle Snyder, who played pivotal roles in his development, will undoubtedly be a surreal experience for Snell. Cash acknowledged the significance of the reunion, saying, “When you develop a guy there’s a lot of relationships created with that and I certainly value mine with him. I know he’s really close with Kyle, he’s close with some of these teammates here. It’ll be exciting to see him get out there.”

Snell has already faced the Rays once since his departure, allowing just two hits and striking out 12 over six shutout innings for the Padres last June. Cash, however, hopes that Snell’s pitch limit on Sunday will be lower than he desires, recognizing the formidable talent his former ace possesses.

As Blake Snell takes the mound at Tropicana Field, a place that once felt like home, he will undoubtedly be greeted by a mix of emotions – nostalgia, gratitude, and a burning desire to prove himself against his former team. For the fans, it will be a chance to witness a chapter in Snell’s storied career come full circle, reminding them of the incredible journey that has brought him back to where it all began.