Awestruck Shane can't help calling Palmer 'sir'

ST. PETERSBURG -- Rays All-Star left-hander Shane McClanahan, a Baltimore native, had a pregame highlight Friday when he met Orioles Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer, now a broadcaster.

McClanahan (10-3, 1.71 ERA), whose earliest baseball memories are attending Orioles games with his father at Camden Yards, told Palmer that he had him sign a poster back then and hung it on his bedroom wall.

“You’re doing great, keep it up,’’ Palmer said.

“Yes, sir,’’ said McClanahan, who moved with his family from Baltimore to Cape Coral, Fla., where he attended high school.

“Shane, you don’t have to call me sir,’’ Palmer said.

“Yes, sir,’’ McClanahan said instinctively.

Palmer said he was fascinated by this weekend’s Rays-Orioles series.

“The Rays seem to be one of those teams that just keep finding ways to win, even with injuries and everything else going on,’’ Palmer said. “I was managed by Cal Ripken [Sr.] in the Minors, and he used to say, ‘This game is actually pretty easy. Just figure out a way to score one more than the other team.’

“The Rays have been going good for a while now. It’s great to see what is happening with the Orioles [who had a 10-game winning streak going into Friday night’s series opener]. It has really provided a boost of confidence, and it’s great for the franchise.’’