I've been tough on Jameis Winston on this blog. I've called his support for the Yankees and lack of support for the Rays a huge weak link in the #TeamTampaBay concept. I ripped him for throwing out a first pitch for a Yankees spring training game. I wrote about other Bucs draft picks who immediately after signing threw out first pitches for the Rays while Jameis was mysteriously absent.
I'm glad to lay this to rest.
Jameis is a Yankees fan. He will continue to be seen at Steinbrenner Field and he will continue to idolize Derek Jeter. He will continue to wear Yankees hats in public, including to Orlando Magic games.
But it was good to see Jameis finally throwing out the first pitch at Tropicana Field Sunday. Although it wasn't without reason, as he was part of the Chop in the Trop FSU-themed promotion, it was good to finally break the ice.
Jameis's support of the Rays is still suspect. Are we to believe he is a fan of the Rays, especially as the Yankees are now improving? Or is Jameis a front-runner, only supporting the Rays because they are ahead of the Yankees in the standings? This is the first time in Jameis's time in Tampa Bay that the Rays are better than the Yankees.
Regardless of his motivations, or regardless of how much the Seminole Boosters had to cajole him into appearing in front of the Seminole faithful, it was good to see Jameis finally on the mound at Tropicana Field.
Perhaps now he will be a supporting member of #TeamTampaBay.