J.J. Hardy placed his hand on the bill of his batting helmet today as the ovation grew louder and stronger, his feet still outside the batter's box. Rays pitcher Chris Archer, aware and respectful of the moment, stood between the mound and second base. The occupants of both dugouts lined the railings and applauded.
Always a player who shunned the spotlight, Hardy finally relented and waved to the crowd. No sense fighting it. May as well give in to it, soak it up like rays of sunshine and...
