Colton Zimring Gordon was a fervid Rays fan growing up between his parents\u2019 homes in the St. Petersburg and Bradenton areas.<\/p>\n
He went to his first game at 7 months old and averaged 25-30 a year for a while.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWe\u2019ve always been Rays fans,\u201d his father, Steven, said Sunday.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was the kid always chasing foul balls all game. After games, he\u2019d beg me to take him to the parking lot so he could get autographs. He attended three of their summer camps and was in one of their TV spots.\u201d<\/p>\n
All that allegiance will be pushed aside Monday night. Gordon, who made his major-league debut Wednesday with the Astros, will get his second start against the Rays.<\/p>\n
Some 50-70 relatives, friends and former coaches are expected to be in the stands at Steinbrenner Field to watch the left-hander take the mound.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is really, really exciting,\u201d Steven Gordon said. \u201cIt\u2019s just crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Colton dreamed of playing in the majors since the third grade, and Steven said he made it his goal to provide every opportunity to help make it happen.<\/p>\n
That included St. Petersburg\u2019s Fossil Park Little League program, travel ball with the Tampa Terror and Florida Burn (under the coaching of former Rays reliever Mark Guthrie), and Lakewood Ranch High.<\/p>\n
Colton committed to Florida and redshirted his first year. Seeking a greater opportunity for the next season than the Gators offered, he switched to Hillsborough Community College, playing on the community field adjacent to where the Astros and Rays will meet Monday. He ended up at UCF, where he worked through Tommy John surgery and recovery, and made himself into a pro prospect.<\/p>\n
With his family hoping the Rays would draft him in 2021, Gordon went in the eighth round to the Astros. He worked his way through their system, with the added benefit of pitching for Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.<\/p>\n
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Gordon was 4-0 with a 2.55 ERA in eight starts for Triple-A Sugar Land this season before he was summoned by the Astros. He worked into the fifth inning of his debut Wednesday against the Royals, allowing three runs.<\/p>\n
Now, he\u2019s returning home as the major-leaguer he\u2019d wanted to be since age 10.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so exciting,\u201d Steven Gordon said, \u201cto see your son reach his goal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u2022 \u2022<\/p>\n
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