The Tampa Bay Rays are a professional baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1998 to the present, the Rays have played in Tropicana Field. This year in baseball 1995 - 1996 - 1997 - 1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 Events January-March January 5 - Don Sutton, a 324-game winner is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on his fifth try. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... The American League (or formally the American League of Professional Baseball Clubs) is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States of America and Canada. ... This year in baseball 1995 - 1996 - 1997 - 1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 Events January-March January 5 - Don Sutton, a 324-game winner is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on his fifth try. ... The American League East Division is one of Major League Baseballs six divisions. ... This year in baseball 1995 - 1996 - 1997 - 1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 Events January-March January 5 - Don Sutton, a 324-game winner is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on his fifth try. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Wade Anthony Boggs (born June 15, 1958 in Omaha, Nebraska) is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Boston Red Sox. ... Jack Roosevelt Jackie Robinson (January 31, 1919 – October 24, 1972) became the first African-American major league baseball player of the modern era in 1947. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2008 throughout the world. ... This year in baseball 1995 - 1996 - 1997 - 1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 Events January-March January 5 - Don Sutton, a 324-game winner is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on his fifth try. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2007 throughout the world. ... Tropicana Field is a domed stadium in St. ... This year in baseball 1995 - 1996 - 1997 - 1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 Events January-March January 5 - Don Sutton, a 324-game winner is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on his fifth try. ... Stuart L. Sternberg (born 1960 in New York City, New York is Wall Street investor and the principle owner of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... Joseph John Maddon (born September 19, 1954, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania is the current manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in Major League Baseball, having been announced to that position on November 15, 2005. ... Andrew Friedman is the Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays franchise in Major League Baseball. ... Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world. ... For other uses, see St. ... Official language(s) English Capital Tallahassee Largest city Jacksonville Largest metro area Miami metropolitan area Area  Ranked 22nd  - Total 65,795[1] sq mi (170,304[1] km²)  - Width 361 miles (582 km)  - Length 447 miles (721 km)  - % water 17. ... The American League East Division is one of Major League Baseballs six divisions. ... Major Leagues redirects here. ... The American League (or formally the American League of Professional Baseball Clubs) is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States of America and Canada. ... This year in baseball 1995 - 1996 - 1997 - 1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 Events January-March January 5 - Don Sutton, a 324-game winner is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on his fifth try. ... Tropicana Field is a domed stadium in St. ...

From their inception up until November 2007, the organization's name was the "Devil Rays." The "Devil Rays" name originated from the marine creature of a similar name, manta ray. They were nicknamed "the D-Rays," and "the Rays," shortened versions of the Devil Rays name. The new name "Rays" represents the state of Florida's nickname, "The Sunshine State." For other uses, see November (disambiguation). ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2007 throughout the world. ... Binomial name Dondorff, 1798 The manta ray, or giant manta (Manta birostris), is the largest of the rays, with the largest known specimen having been nearly 7. ... Baseball nicknames have become an integral part of the culture of baseball In no sport are nicknames more pervasive than baseball. ... Official language(s) English Capital Tallahassee Largest city Jacksonville Largest metro area Miami metropolitan area Area  Ranked 22nd  - Total 65,795[1] sq mi (170,304[1] km²)  - Width 361 miles (582 km)  - Length 447 miles (721 km)  - % water 17. ...

An expansion franchise, the club was founded in St. Petersburg in 1998. They are one of four teams to have never played in a World Series, the others being the Texas Rangers, the Washington Nationals, and the Seattle Mariners. They are the only team to have never made it to the playoffs, having finished in last place in almost every season of their existence, with the exception of 2004, when they finished fourth. This year in baseball 1995 - 1996 - 1997 - 1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 Events January-March January 5 - Don Sutton, a 324-game winner is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on his fifth try. ... Major league affiliations American League (1961–present) West Division (1972–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 26, 34, 42 Name Texas Rangers (1972–present) Washington Senators (1961-1971) Other nicknames None in common use Ballpark Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (1994–present) a. ... Major league affiliations National League (1969–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Washington Nationals (2005–present) Montreal Expos (1969-2004) Other nicknames The Nats Ballpark Nationals Ballpark (2008–present) RFK Stadium 2005-2007 Hiram Bithorn Stadium[3] (San Juan) (2003-2004) Olympic Stadium (Montreal) (1977... Major league affiliations American League (1977–present) West Division (1977–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Seattle Mariners (1977–present) Other nicknames The Ms Ballpark Safeco Field (1999–present) King County Domed Stadium (Kingdome) (1977-1999) Major league titles World Series titles (0) none AL Pennants (0) None... Location Tropicana Field (Since 1998) St. ...

Before the Rays

Although the Rays are one of baseball's youngest franchises, the Tampa Bay area has had a long history in professional baseball dating back to 1913. It was then that the Chicago Cubs moved their spring training site to the city of Tampa. St. Petersburg became a spring training host for the first time in 1922 when the Boston Braves came to town. Since that time, more major league spring training games have been played in St. Petersburg than any other city.^[1] Major league affiliations National League (1876–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 10, 14, 23, 26, 42 Name Chicago Cubs (1902–present) Chicago Orphans (1898-1901) Chicago Colts (1890-1897) Chicago White Stockings (1870-1871, 1874-1889) (a. ... Tampa redirects here. ... Major league affiliations National League (1876–present) East Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 3, 21, 35, 41, 42, 44 Name Atlanta Braves (1966–present) Milwaukee Braves (1953-1965) Boston Braves (1941-1952) Boston Bees (1936-1940) Boston Braves (1912-1935) Boston Rustlers (1911) Boston Doves (1907-1910) Boston...

St. Petersburg has been the spring training home for nine teams: the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Braves, New York Giants, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Browns, St. Louis Cardinals, and currently the Rays. Tampa has hosted spring training for seven teams: the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Washington Senators, and the New York Yankees, who currently call Tampa their spring training home. Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 4, 5, 8, 20, 22, 33, 42 Name Baltimore Orioles (1954–present) St. ... Major league affiliations National League (1883–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers NY, NY, 3, 4, 11, 24, 27, 30, 36, 42, 44 Name San Francisco Giants (1958–present) New York Giants (1885–1957) New York Gothams (1883–1885) Other nicknames Jints, Gigantes, G-Men Ballpark AT... Major league affiliations National League (1962–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 14, 37, 41, 42 Name New York Mets (1962–present) Other nicknames The Amazin Mets, The Amazins, The Metropolitans, The Kings of Queens Ballpark Shea Stadium (1964–present) Polo Grounds (1962–1963) Major league... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 32, 37, 44, 49 Name New York Yankees (1913–present) New York Highlanders (1903-1912) Baltimore Orioles (1901-1902) (Also referred to as... Major league affiliations National League (1883–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 14, 20, 32, 36, 42 Name Philadelphia Phillies (1884–present) Philadelphia Quakers (1883-1889) (Also referred to as Blue Jays 1943-1945 despite formal name remaining Phillies) Other nicknames The Phils, The Phightin Phils... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 4, 5, 8, 20, 22, 33, 42 Name Baltimore Orioles (1954–present) St. ... Major league affiliations National League (1892–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 2, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 42, 42, 45, 85 Name St. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 4, 8, 9, 27, 42 Name Boston Red Sox (1908–present) Boston Americans (1901-1907) Other nicknames The BoSox, The Olde Towne Team, The Sox Ballpark Fenway Park (1912–present) Huntington Avenue Baseball Grounds... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 11, 16, 19, 42, 72, Name Chicago White Sox (1904–present) Other nicknames The Sox, The South Siders, The ChiSox, The Pale Hose, The Good Guys, The Go-Go Sox, The... Major league affiliations National League (1890–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 5, 8, 10, 13, 18, 20, 24, 42 Name Cincinnati Reds (1958–present) Cincinnati Redlegs (1953-1958) Cincinnati Reds (1882-1953) Cincinnati Red Stockings (1876-1882) Other nicknames The Redlegs, The Big Red Machine... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) Central Division (1998–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 2, 5, 6, 16, 23, 42 Name Detroit Tigers (1901–present) Other nicknames The Bless You Boys Ballpark Comerica Park (2000–present) Tiger Stadium (1912-1999) Briggs Stadium (1938-1960) Navin Field (1912-1938) Bennett... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 3, 6, 14, 29, 34, 42 Name Minnesota Twins (1961–present) Washington Nationals/Senators (1901-1960) Other nicknames The Twinkies Ballpark Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 1982-present Metropolitan Stadium (1961-1981) Griffith Stadium (1911-1960...

The area also has been the home to many minor league franchises since 1919 when Tampa entered the Class D Florida State League (FSL). St. Petersburg also fielded a team in the league in 1920. Both cities were mainstays in the FSL, which is now a Class A league, throughout the 20th century. Past local minor league teams included the Tampa Tarpons, Tampa Smokers, and St. Pete Saints. The Florida State League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the state of Florida. ...

Today, the Tampa Yankees still play in the FSL. Other cities in the Tampa Bay region, including Clearwater, Dunedin, and Lakeland have also had long histories in the league and still have teams. In addition, several past and present teams in the Rookie level Gulf Coast League have called the Tampa Bay region home. New York Yankees American League AAA Columbus Clippers AA Trenton Thunder A Charleston RiverDogs Tampa Yankees Staten Island Yankees R Gulf Coast Yankees The Tampa Yankees are a minor league baseball team based in Tampa, Florida. ... Class-Level Class A (Advanced) Minor League affiliations Florida State League West Division Major League affiliation Philadelphia Phillies (2004-present) Name Clearwater Threshers (2004-present) Clearwater Phillies (1985-2003) Ballpark Bright House Networks Field Jack Russell Stadium Minor League titles League titles Division titles 2007 Owner(s)/Operated By: Philadelphia... The Dunedin Blue Jays are a minor league baseball team based in Dunedin, Florida. ... The Lakeland Tigers are a minor league baseball team based in Lakeland, Florida. ... The Gulf Coast League is a minor league baseball league which operates in Florida. ...

St. Petersburg was the home of the St. Petersburg Pelicans in the short-lived Senior Professional Baseball Association in 1989-1990. The league featured former major league players who were age 35 or older. The Pelicans won the only league championship. The St. ... The Senior Professional Baseball Association was a winter baseball league based in Florida for players age 35 and over (with a minimum age of 32 for catchers). ...

Amateur baseball also has a long tradition in the Tampa area. This tradition began in the ballfields of Ybor City, a community of mainly Latin immigrants in Tampa. Ybor was home to many social clubs, each of which sponsored highly competitive teams. Al Lopez, the first area resident to be enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame, came out of this environment. Ybor cigar factory, c. ... Alfonso Ramon Lopez (August 20, 1908 – October 30, 2005) was an American catcher and manager in Major League Baseball and the son of immigrants from Asturias, Spain who went to Cuba, then settled in Tampas Spanish-speaking Ybor City section. ... The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, located at 62 Main Street in Cooperstown, New York, is a semi-official museum operated by private interests serving as the central point for the study of the history of baseball in the United States and beyond, the display of baseball-related...

Since then, many current and former major league players and managers such as Fred McGriff, Lou Piniella, Gary Sheffield, Tino Martinez, Luis Gonzalez, Dwight Gooden, Brad Radke, Tony LaRussa and Hall of Famer Wade Boggs (among many others) have gotten their start in the Little League, PONY League Baseball, and high school baseball programs of greater Tampa. Frederick Stanley Crime Dog McGriff (born October 31, 1963 in Tampa, Florida) is a former left-handed Major League Baseball player who starred for several teams from the mid-1980s until the early 2000s. ... Louis Victor Piniella (born August 28, 1943, in Tampa, Florida) is the current manager of the Chicago Cubs and a former Major League Baseball outfielder. ... For the military historian, see: Gary Sheffield (historian) Gary Antonian Sheffield (born November 18, 1968 in Tampa, Florida) is a Major League Baseball designated hitter and outfielder for the Detroit Tigers. ... Constantino Tino Martinez (born December 7, 1967 in Tampa, Florida) is a retired first baseman in Major League Baseball. ... Luis Gonzalez is a common personal name that can refer to different people: Luis Emilio González (baseball outfielder): a Major League Baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers Luis González (baseball infielder): a Major League Baseball utility player, currently playing in Japan. ... Dwight Eugene Gooden (born November 16, 1964 in Tampa, Florida), also known as Doc Gooden or Dr. K, is a former major league baseball player. ... Brad William Radke (born October 27, 1972), is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher who played his entire 12 season career with the Minnesota Twins. ... Anthony LaRussa, Jr. ... Wade Anthony Boggs (born June 15, 1958 in Omaha, Nebraska) is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Boston Red Sox. ... Little League Baseball - Logo Little League pitcher in Winesburg, Ohio Little League, Wayne, Michigan Little League Baseball is the name of a non-profit organization in the United States which organizes local childrens leagues of baseball and softball throughout the USA and the rest of the world. ... Pony Baseball began in the early 1950s. ...

With its rich baseball tradition and growing population, a major league team to call its own seemed the next logical step for Tampa Bay. However, this remained an unfulfilled dream for many years.

Local leaders made many unsuccessful attempts to acquire a major league baseball team in the 1980s and 1990s. The Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers, and Seattle Mariners all considered moving to either Tampa or St. Petersburg before deciding to remain in their current locations. The Florida Suncoast Dome (now named Tropicana Field) was built in St. Petersburg in 1990 with the purpose of luring a major league team. When Major League Baseball announced that it would add two expansion teams for the 1993 season, it was widely assumed that one of the teams would be placed in St. Petersburg. However, the teams were rewarded to Denver and Miami instead. Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 3, 6, 14, 29, 34, 42 Name Minnesota Twins (1961–present) Washington Nationals/Senators (1901-1960) Other nicknames The Twinkies Ballpark Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 1982-present Metropolitan Stadium (1961-1981) Griffith Stadium (1911-1960... Major league affiliations National League (1883–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers NY, NY, 3, 4, 11, 24, 27, 30, 36, 42, 44 Name San Francisco Giants (1958–present) New York Giants (1885–1957) New York Gothams (1883–1885) Other nicknames Jints, Gigantes, G-Men Ballpark AT... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 11, 16, 19, 42, 72, Name Chicago White Sox (1904–present) Other nicknames The Sox, The South Siders, The ChiSox, The Pale Hose, The Good Guys, The Go-Go Sox, The... Major league affiliations American League (1961–present) West Division (1972–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 26, 34, 42 Name Texas Rangers (1972–present) Washington Senators (1961-1971) Other nicknames None in common use Ballpark Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (1994–present) a. ... Major league affiliations American League (1977–present) West Division (1977–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Seattle Mariners (1977–present) Other nicknames The Ms Ballpark Safeco Field (1999–present) King County Domed Stadium (Kingdome) (1977-1999) Major league titles World Series titles (0) none AL Pennants (0) None... Tropicana Field is a domed stadium in St. ... Year 1990 (MCMXC) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar). ... // This year in baseball Events January - Reggie Jackson is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers Association of America, receiving 94% of the vote. ... Nickname: Location of Denver in Colorado Location of Colorado in the United States Coordinates: , Country State Founded [1] November 22, 1858 Incorporated November 7, 1861 Government  - Type Strong Mayor/Weak Council  - Mayor John Hickenlooper (D) Area [1]  - City & County  154. ... Miami redirects here. ...

In 1992, San Francisco Giants owner Bob Lurie agreed in principle to sell his team to a Tampa Bay-based group of investors led by Vince Naimoli, who would then move the team to St. Petersburg. However, at the 11th hour, MLB owners nixed the move under pressure from San Francisco officials and the Giants were sold to a group that kept them in San Francisco. Year 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar). ... Major league affiliations National League (1883–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers NY, NY, 3, 4, 11, 24, 27, 30, 36, 42, 44 Name San Francisco Giants (1958–present) New York Giants (1885–1957) New York Gothams (1883–1885) Other nicknames Jints, Gigantes, G-Men Ballpark AT... Robert Alfred Lurie (born 1929) is a real estate magnate and former owner of the San Francisco Giants franchise of Major League Baseball from March 2, 1976 until January 12, 1993. ... This page meets Wikipedias criteria for speedy deletion. ... This page is a candidate for speedy deletion. ...

It was civic leader and St. Petersburg Times publisher Jack Lake who first suggested St. Petersburg pursue a Major League baseball team. The notable influences Lake held in the sport are what led to the serious discussions that took the city of St. Petersburg from being the legendary home of Spring Training to the Major League city it is today. Jack Lake, Ontario can mean the following: Jack Lake, Peterborough County, Ontario Jack Lake, Simcoe County, Ontario Category: ...

Finally, on March 9, 1995, new expansion franchises were awarded to Naimoli's Tampa Bay group and a group from Phoenix (the Arizona Diamondbacks). The new franchises were scheduled to begin play in 1998. is the 68th day of the year (69th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... Nickname: Location in Maricopa County and the state of Arizona Coordinates: , Country State County Maricopa Incorporated February 25, 1881 Government  - Type Council-Manager  - Mayor Phil Gordon (D) Area  - City  515. ... Major league affiliations National League (1998–present) West Division (1998–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Arizona Diamondbacks (1998–present) Other nicknames The D-backs, The Snakes Ballpark Chase Field (1998–present) a. ... Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ...

The Tampa Bay area finally had a team, but the stadium in St. Petersburg was already in need of an upgrade. In 1993, the stadium was renamed the Thunderdome and became the home of the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team and the Tampa Bay Storm Arena Football League team. After the birth of Rays, the naming rights were sold to Tropicana Products and $70 million was spent on renovations. Year 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar). ... The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). ... Conference National Division Southern Year founded 1987 Home arena St. ... The Arena Football League (AFL) was founded in 1987 as an American football indoor league. ... Tropicana Orange Juice Tropicana Products, an American based company, was founded in Bradenton, Florida, USA in 1947 by Anthony T. Rossi. ...

Franchise history

Before 1998

The Rays began to build their organization shortly after the franchise was awarded in 1995 by naming former Atlanta Braves assistant general manager Chuck LaMar the senior vice president of baseball operations and general manager. The franchise's first minor league games took place in the 1996 season. On November 7, 1997, Larry Rothschild was named the team's first manager. The team acquired 35 players in the Expansion Draft on November 18, 1997. Tony Saunders from the Florida Marlins was the first player drafted by the Rays. The team also drafted future star Bobby Abreu and promptly traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies for Kevin Stocker, who had very little success for the Rays. Before the 1998 season, star players Wade Boggs, Fred McGriff, and Wilson Alvarez were acquired. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Major league affiliations National League (1876–present) East Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 3, 21, 35, 41, 42, 44 Name Atlanta Braves (1966–present) Milwaukee Braves (1953-1965) Boston Braves (1941-1952) Boston Bees (1936-1940) Boston Braves (1912-1935) Boston Rustlers (1911) Boston Doves (1907-1910) Boston... Charles M. Chuck LaMar was the first General Manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays franchise in Major League Baseball, being hired July 19th, 1995 -- several months after the Tampa Bay franchise was awarded. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 1996 throughout the world. ... is the 311th day of the year (312th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ... Larry Rothschild is the pitching coach of the Chicago Cubs. ... The 1997 MLB Expansion Draft was held November 18, 1997. ... is the 322nd day of the year (323rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ... Anthony Scott Tony Saunders (born April 29, 1974 in Baltimore) was a major league pitcher for 3 seasons between 1997 and 1999. ... Major league affiliations National League (1993–present) East Division (1993–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 5, 42 Name Florida Marlins (1993–present) Other nicknames The Fish Ballpark Dolphin Stadium (1993–present) a. ... Bob Kelly Abreu (nicknamed El Comedulce) (born March 11, 1974 in Maracay, Aragua State, Venezuela) is a Major League Baseball right fielder who plays for the New York Yankees. ... Major league affiliations National League (1883–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 14, 20, 32, 36, 42 Name Philadelphia Phillies (1884–present) Philadelphia Quakers (1883-1889) (Also referred to as Blue Jays 1943-1945 despite formal name remaining Phillies) Other nicknames The Phils, The Phightin Phils... Kevin Douglas Stocker (born February 13, 1970 in Spokane, Washington) is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and switch-hitter batter who played with the Philadelphia Phillies (1993-97), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (1998-2000) and Anaheim Angels (2000). ... Wade Anthony Boggs (born June 15, 1958 in Omaha, Nebraska) is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Boston Red Sox. ... Frederick Stanley Crime Dog McGriff (born October 31, 1963 in Tampa, Florida) is a former left-handed Major League Baseball player who starred for several teams from the mid-1980s until the early 2000s. ... Wilson Eduardo Alvarez Fuenmayor (born March 24, 1970 in Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela) is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher who played in 13 seasons for the Texas Rangers (1989), Chicago White Sox (1991–1997), San Francisco Giants (1997), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (1998–2002) and Los Angeles...

A 2000 picture of the "Hit Show". From left to right: José Canseco, Vinny Castilla, Greg Vaughn, and Fred McGriff.

Image File history File links Devilraysearly. ... Image File history File links Devilraysearly. ... José Canseco y Capas, Jr. ... Vinicio Castilla Soria, commonly known as Vinny Cashsteala [cass-TEE-yah] (born July 4, 1967 in Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico), is a Major League Baseball third baseman who was traded to the San Diego Padres between the 2005 and 2006 seasons. ... Gregory Lamont Vaughn (born July 3, 1965) is an American former Major League Baseball left fielder and right-handed batter who played for the Milwaukee Brewers (1989-96), San Diego Padres (1996-98), Cincinnati Reds (1999), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2000-02) and Colorado Rockies (2003). ... Frederick Stanley Crime Dog McGriff (born October 31, 1963 in Tampa, Florida) is a former left-handed Major League Baseball player who starred for several teams from the mid-1980s until the early 2000s. ...

1998-2003: Early Years

The Rays played their first game on March 31, 1998 against the Detroit Tigers at Tropicana Field before a crowd of 45,369. Wilson Alvarez threw the first pitch and Wade Boggs hit the first home run in team history that day, although the Devil Rays lost their opening game 11-6, they actually got off to a good start. They were 11-8 after 19 games before losing six straight, falling below .500 never to reach that level again in their inaugural season. They would go on to lose an expansion-like 99 games that year. Since then, the Rays have yet to have a winning season, finishing in last place in the American League East every year from 1998 to 2003. Jose Canseco was signed prior to the 1999 season. One of the most memorable moments in franchise history occurred on August 7, 1999 when Wade Boggs tallied his 3000th career hit on a home run, the only player to ever do so.^[2] Boggs retired after the season and is the only Ray with his number retired. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. is the 90th day of the year (91st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) Central Division (1998–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 2, 5, 6, 16, 23, 42 Name Detroit Tigers (1901–present) Other nicknames The Bless You Boys Ballpark Comerica Park (2000–present) Tiger Stadium (1912-1999) Briggs Stadium (1938-1960) Navin Field (1912-1938) Bennett... Wilson Eduardo Alvarez Fuenmayor (born March 24, 1970 in Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela) is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher who played in 13 seasons for the Texas Rangers (1989), Chicago White Sox (1991–1997), San Francisco Giants (1997), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (1998–2002) and Los Angeles... Wade Anthony Boggs (born June 15, 1958 in Omaha, Nebraska) is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Boston Red Sox. ... The American League East Division is one of Major League Baseballs six divisions. ... José Canseco Capas, Jr. ... is the 219th day of the year (220th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... Wade Anthony Boggs (born June 15, 1958 in Omaha, Nebraska) is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Boston Red Sox. ... The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, located at 62 Main Street in Cooperstown, New York, is a semi-official museum operated by private interests serving as the central point for the study of the history of baseball in the United States and beyond, the display of baseball-related...

The Rays acquired sluggers Vinny Castilla and Greg Vaughn on December 13, 1999 and dubbed McGriff, Canseco, Castilla, and Vaughn the "Hit Show". As it turned out, however, all of these players were past their prime, and the team continued to struggle in 2000. Prior to the 2001 season, the Rays changed their team colors and uniforms and also acquired highly-touted outfielder Ben Grieve from Oakland but neither move improved their luck in the standings. On April 18, Larry Rothschild was fired as manager and was replaced by Hal McRae. By the 2002 season, the Rays decided to build with younger players and drastically reduced the team payroll. Randy Winn, Aubrey Huff, Toby Hall, and Carl Crawford began to emerge as key players. However, the 2002 season would prove to be the worst in franchise history to date. McRae was moved to a front office position after the season. Vinicio Castilla Soria, commonly known as Vinny Cashsteala [cass-TEE-yah] (born July 4, 1967 in Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico), is a Major League Baseball third baseman who was traded to the San Diego Padres between the 2005 and 2006 seasons. ... Gregory Lamont Vaughn (born July 3, 1965) is an American former Major League Baseball left fielder and right-handed batter who played for the Milwaukee Brewers (1989-96), San Diego Padres (1996-98), Cincinnati Reds (1999), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2000-02) and Colorado Rockies (2003). ... is the 347th day of the year (348th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2000 throughout the world. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2001 throughout the world. ... Benjamin Grieve (born May 4, 1976 in Arlington, Texas) is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 9, 27, 34, 42, 43, (As) Name Oakland Athletics (1968–present) Kansas City Athletics (1955-1967) Philadelphia Athletics (1901-1954) (Referred to as As) Other nicknames The As, The White Elephants, The... is the 108th day of the year (109th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Harold Abraham McRae (born July 10, 1945 in Avon Park, Florida) is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Cincinnati Reds (1968, 1970-72) and Kansas City Royals (1973-87). ... This year in baseball: 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 Events January-March January 8 - Ozzie Smith is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. ... Dwight Randolph Randy Winn (born June 9, 1974 in Los Angeles, California) is a Major League Baseball center fielder for the San Francisco Giants. ... Aubrey Lewis Huff (born December 20, 1976 in Fort Worth, Texas) is a Major League Baseball player for the Houston Astros. ... Toby Hall was born on October 21, 1975 in Tacoma, Washington. ... Carl Demonte Crawford (born August 5, 1981 in Houston, Texas) is the starting left fielder for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays of Major League Baseball. ...

Before the 2003 season, the team traded Randy Winn to the Seattle Mariners for the right to negotiate with manager Lou Piniella, a Tampa native, who managed winning teams at every stop in his managerial career, including the New York Yankees, the Cincinnati Reds (whom he led to a World Championship in 1990), and the Mariners (who he helped build into perennial contenders in the mid-1990s). Piniella was attracted to the Tampa Bay job because of the proximity to his family and the chance to build a losing franchise into a winner as he had done in Seattle. Piniella's first team still finished last, but was seven games better than the 2002 team. A highlight of the 2003 season was the emergence of Rocco Baldelli, a native of Rhode Island, as one of the top rookies in the major leagues. A bizarre incident occurred in 2003 when, in an interleague game against the Chicago Cubs, Sammy Sosa's bat broke on a pitch from Jeremi Gonzalez, only to reveal it was corked. The following are the events of the year 2003 that happened world-wide throughout the sport of baseball. ... Major league affiliations American League (1977–present) West Division (1977–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Seattle Mariners (1977–present) Other nicknames The Ms Ballpark Safeco Field (1999–present) King County Domed Stadium (Kingdome) (1977-1999) Major league titles World Series titles (0) none AL Pennants (0) None... Louis Victor Piniella (born August 28, 1943, in Tampa, Florida) is the current manager of the Chicago Cubs and a former Major League Baseball outfielder. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 32, 37, 44, 49 Name New York Yankees (1913–present) New York Highlanders (1903-1912) Baltimore Orioles (1901-1902) (Also referred to as... Major league affiliations National League (1890–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 5, 8, 10, 13, 18, 20, 24, 42 Name Cincinnati Reds (1958–present) Cincinnati Redlegs (1953-1958) Cincinnati Reds (1882-1953) Cincinnati Red Stockings (1876-1882) Other nicknames The Redlegs, The Big Red Machine... The 2004 World Series Trophy The World Series Trophy is awarded each year by Major League Baseball to the team winning the World Series. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 1990 throughout the world. ... For the band, see 1990s (band). ... Rocco Dan Baldelli (born September 25, 1981 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island) is a Major League Baseball player for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... This article is about the U.S. State. ... Major league affiliations National League (1876–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 10, 14, 23, 26, 42 Name Chicago Cubs (1902–present) Chicago Orphans (1898-1901) Chicago Colts (1890-1897) Chicago White Stockings (1870-1871, 1874-1889) (a. ... Samuel Sosa Peralta (born November 12, 1968 in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic) is a designated hitter for the Texas Rangers of the American League. ... Jeremi González (born January 8, 1975) is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher who has played for the Chicago Cubs (1997-98) and Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2003-04). ... In baseball, a corked bat is a specially modified baseball bat that has been filled with cork or similar light, less dense substances to make the bat lighter without losing much power. ...

2004: Rise of Crawford, Baldelli and Kazmir

Aubrey Huff, Carl Crawford, and Rocco Baldelli.

Expectations were low for the team entering the 2004 season, but the team surprised most baseball experts by finishing with the best record in team history, 70-91. It was the first time the Rays won 70 games in a season and they also finished in 4th place in the American League East, out of last place for the first time ever. Their record was 10-28 coming into May when they made their run in which they won 30 of 40 games, including a team-record 12 games in a row. The Rays had a 42-41 record after 83 games, within 5 games of the American League wild card. However, the team soon returned to its losing ways, leading to a final record of 21 games below .500. The season was highlighted by the continued development of Aubrey Huff, Carl Crawford, and Rocco Baldelli into some of the top young hitters in baseball. The front office produced a major accomplishment on July 30, 2004 when pitcher Victor Zambrano was traded to the New York Mets for pitcher Scott Kazmir, who has since become the team's best pitcher and one of the top young pitchers in all of baseball. Image File history File linksMetadata Rays_trio. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Rays_trio. ... Aubrey Lewis Huff (born December 20, 1976 in Fort Worth, Texas) is a Major League Baseball player for the Houston Astros. ... Carl Demonte Crawford (born August 5, 1981 in Houston, Texas) is the starting left fielder for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays of Major League Baseball. ... Rocco Dan Baldelli (born September 25, 1981 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island) is a Major League Baseball player for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2004 throughout the world. ... Aubrey Lewis Huff (born December 20, 1976 in Fort Worth, Texas) is a Major League Baseball player for the Houston Astros. ... Carl Demonte Crawford (born August 5, 1981 in Houston, Texas) is the starting left fielder for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays of Major League Baseball. ... Rocco Dan Baldelli (born September 25, 1981 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island) is a Major League Baseball player for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... is the 211th day of the year (212th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Víctor Manuel Zambrano (born August 6, 1975 in Miranda State, Venezuela) is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher who plays for the New York Mets. ... Major league affiliations National League (1962–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 14, 37, 41, 42 Name New York Mets (1962–present) Other nicknames The Amazin Mets, The Amazins, The Metropolitans, The Kings of Queens Ballpark Shea Stadium (1964–present) Polo Grounds (1962–1963) Major league... Scott Edward Kazmir (born January 24, 1984 in Houston, Texas) is a left-handed starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ...

2005: End of Piniella Era

After a 28-61 record at the All-Star Break in 2005, the Rays turned it around in the second half of the season, going 39-34, for a final record of 67-95. Rocco Baldelli missed the entire 2005 season due to injury, but Carl Crawford and newcomers Jorge Cantu and Jonny Gomes led a productive offense that finished third in the American League in team batting average. To counterbalance that, however, the pitching staff had the second worst ERA in the American League. During their strong second half, the Rays played spoilers in September, with timely victories over contenders such as the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Despite the promising finish, Lou Piniella became frustrated with what he perceived as an insufficient commitment to winning by the ownership group, and he reached a settlement with the team to release him from the last year of his contract. The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also popularly known as the Midsummer Classic, is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by fan vote for the starting position players and by the respective managers (from the previous years World... The following are the baseball events of the year 2005 throughout the world. ... Rocco Dan Baldelli (born September 25, 1981 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island) is a Major League Baseball player for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... Carl Demonte Crawford (born August 5, 1981 in Houston, Texas) is the starting left fielder for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays of Major League Baseball. ... Jorge Luís Cantú (born January 30, 1982 in Reynosa, Mexico) is a major league third baseman and second baseman for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... Jonny Johnson Gomes (born November 22, 1980, in Petaluma, California) is a current outfielder and designated hitter in Major League Baseball. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 32, 37, 44, 49 Name New York Yankees (1913–present) New York Highlanders (1903-1912) Baltimore Orioles (1901-1902) (Also referred to as... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 3, 5, 14, 18, 19, 21, 42, 455 Name Cleveland Indians (1915–present) Cleveland Naps (1905-1914) Cleveland Bronchos (1902-1904) Cleveland Blues (1901) Other nicknames The Tribe, The Wahoos Ballpark Jacobs Field (1994–present... Major league affiliations American League (1961–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 11, 26, 29, 30, 42, 50 Name Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2005–present) Anaheim Angels (1997-2004) California Angels (1965-1996) Los Angeles Angels (1961-1965) Other nicknames The Halos, The Wings, The Seraphs...

2005-2006 offseason: Front office and Managerial Changes

Shortly after the season ended, Stuart Sternberg, who bought into the ownership group in 2004, took over from Vince Naimoli as managing general partner, thus taking over executive control of the team. He immediately fired Chuck LaMar, who had been the team's general manager since the team's first season, and most of the front office. Matt Silverman was named the team president, and Andrew Friedman took the role of Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations. Gerry Hunsicker, former General Manager of the Houston Astros, was named the Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations, with the responsibility of advising the younger Friedman. Sternberg decided not to have a de jure General Manager, calling the position "outdated". Friedman and Hunsicker share the role of team representative at MLB functions.^[3] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Stuart L. Sternberg (born 1960 in New York City, New York is Wall Street investor and the principle owner of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Charles M. Chuck LaMar was the first General Manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays franchise in Major League Baseball, being hired July 19th, 1995 -- several months after the Tampa Bay franchise was awarded. ... The term general manager is a descriptive term for certain executives in a business operation. ... Andrew Friedman is the Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays franchise in Major League Baseball. ... Gerald Hunsicker (born June 10, 1950, in Collegeville, Pennsylvania) is the senior vice president, baseball operations for the Tampa Bay Rays of American Major League baseball. ... Major league affiliations National League (1962–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 5, 24, 25, 32, 33, 34, 40, 42, 49 Name Houston Astros (1965–present) Houston Colt . ... Look up De jure in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

The team focused its rebuilding efforts around young stars such as outfielders Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldelli, and Jonny Gomes, infielder Jorge Cantu (who hit 28 home runs and drove in 117 runs in 2005) and pitcher Scott Kazmir (who finished in the top 5 in the American League in strikeouts). Baldelli missed the entire 2005 season with injuries, but returned to the team in 2006. Also figuring into the Rays' future plans were Delmon Young and B.J. Upton, considered two of the best prospects in all of baseball. Carl Demonte Crawford (born August 5, 1981 in Houston, Texas) is the starting left fielder for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays of Major League Baseball. ... Rocco Dan Baldelli (born September 25, 1981 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island) is a Major League Baseball player for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... Jonny Johnson Gomes (born November 22, 1980, in Petaluma, California) is a current outfielder and designated hitter in Major League Baseball. ... Jorge Luís Cantú (born January 30, 1982 in Reynosa, Mexico) is a major league third baseman and second baseman for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Scott Edward Kazmir (born January 24, 1984 in Houston, Texas) is a left-handed starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... Delmon Damarcus Young, (born September 14, 1985 in Montgomery, Alabama), the younger brother of Dmitri Young, is an outfielder on the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and is arguably the top hitting prospect in baseball as of the end of the 2005 minor-league baseball season. ... Melvin Emanuel B.J. Upton, (born August 21, 1984 in Norfolk, Virginia) (The B.J. is short for Bossman Junior, his fathers nickname was Bossman). ...

In December 2005, Joe Maddon, the former bench coach for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, was named the new manager of the Rays, the fourth in team history, replacing Lou Piniella in that role. Joseph John Maddon (born September 19, 1954, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania is the current manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in Major League Baseball, having been announced to that position on November 15, 2005. ... Major league affiliations American League (1961–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 11, 26, 29, 30, 42, 50 Name Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2005–present) Anaheim Angels (1997-2004) California Angels (1965-1996) Los Angeles Angels (1961-1965) Other nicknames The Halos, The Wings, The Seraphs...

During the offseason, the new front office invested $10 million in improvements to Tropicana Field. Among the major changes were new club seating on the first base side, a 35-foot, 10,000 gallon touch tank holding 30 live cownose rays behind the right-center field fence^[4], and the addition of the Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame, relocated from Citrus County.^[5] Other changes to increase attendance and fan interest included free parking at all home games, allowing tailgating in the parking lot before games, allowing fans to bring their own food and drinks into Tropicana Field, lower ticket prices and concession prices, and an increased number of promotions and give-aways. Citrus County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. ...

2006: Rebuilding Year

With the change of ownership and the strong finish to the 2005 season, Tampa Bay fans were optimistic about the 2006 season. On April 10, 2006, the official attendance at Tropicana Field for the Rays' home opener was 40,199, the highest turnout since the 1998 Inaugural Season home opener.^[6] The following are the baseball events of the year 2005 throughout the world. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2006 throughout the world. ... is the 100th day of the year (101st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

An unfortunate event occurred on April 26, when Delmon Young, playing for the Triple-A Durham Bulls, was ejected from the first inning of a game for arguing a third strike, and tossed his bat at the umpire, striking him in the chest protector. The umpire was not injured, but Young was suspended indefinitely the next day by the International League. Young ultimately was suspended for 50 games without pay and performed 50 hours of community service.^[7] is the 116th day of the year (117th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Delmon Damarcus Young, (born September 14, 1985 in Montgomery, Alabama), the younger brother of Dmitri Young, is an outfielder on the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and is arguably the top hitting prospect in baseball as of the end of the 2005 minor-league baseball season. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The International League (IL) is a minor league baseball league which operates in the eastern United States and Canada. ...

At the All-Star Break, Tampa Bay was only 11 games under the .500 mark (39-50). However, the front office became convinced that the Rays would not contend in 2006 and they traded several veteran players who were not in their future plans for younger players who were expected to contribute more in future seasons. The trades included: Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

• On June 20, outfielder Joey Gathright and infielder Fernando Cortez were traded to the Kansas City Royals for pitcher J.P. Howell.^[8]
• On June 27, pitcher Mark Hendrickson and catcher Toby Hall were traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for pitcher Jae Seo, 22-year old catcher Dioner Navarro, and minor league outfielder Justin Ruggiano.^[9][10]
• On July 12, infielder and long-time Ray Aubrey Huff was traded to the Houston Astros for young shortstop Ben Zobrist and minor league pitcher Mitch Talbot.^[11]
• On July 31, shortstop Julio Lugo was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor league prospects Joel Guzman and Sergio Pedroza.^[12]
• On August 24, utility player Russell Branyan was traded to the San Diego Padres for minor league pitchers Evan Meek and Dale Thayer.^[13][14]

The Rays struggled in the second half, going 22-51 to finish the season with a 61-101 record, the worst in the major leagues. The team's poor play in the second half was attributed to the trades of veterans for prospects, injuries to key players such as Scott Kazmir and Ty Wigginton, and slumps by several players (notably Jonny Gomes and Jorge Cantu). Another factor was that the Rays played extremely poorly on the road, winning only 3 out of 36 road games after July 1. This matched the 1943 Philadelphia Athletics for the least number of road wins after the All Star break in baseball history. Overall, the Rays went 20-61 on the road, the third lowest number of wins on the road by any team since 1961.^[15] On top of that, they led the major leagues in the number of leads blown with 94 and set a new American League record by losing 60 games that they had led. The Rays led in 121 games, but won only 61. is the 171st day of the year (172nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Joseph Renard Joey Gathright (born April 27, 1981 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi) is a Major League Baseball player for the Kansas City Royals. ... An infielder is a baseball player who plays on the infield, the dirt portion of a baseball diamond between first base and third base. ... Fernando Cortez (born August 10, 1981 in Stockton, California) is a utility infielder for the Major League Baseball Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... Major league affiliations American League (1969–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 5, 10, 20, 42 Name Kansas City Royals (1969–present) Other nicknames The Boys in Blue Ballpark Kauffman Stadium (1973–present) a. ... This article is about the player in baseball. ... James Phillip Howell (born April 25, 1983, in Modesto, California) is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. ... is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Mark Allan Hendrickson (born June 23, 1974 in Mount Vernon, Washington, USA) is an American professional athlete and has the rare distinction of playing in both Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association. ... Toby Hall was born on October 21, 1975 in Tacoma, Washington. ... Major league affiliations National League (1890–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 2, 4, 19, 20, 24, 32, 39, 42, 53 Name Los Angeles Dodgers (1958–present) Brooklyn Dodgers (1932-1957) Brooklyn Robins (1914-1931) Brooklyn Dodgers (1913) Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers (1911-1912) Brooklyn Superbas (1899... Jae Weong Seo is a Major League Baseball pitcher who was born on May 24, 1977 in Gwangju, South Korea. ... Dioner Faviau Navarro (born February 9, 1984 in Caracas, Venezuela) is a Major League Baseball catcher and switch-hitter who plays for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... Justin M. Ruggiano (born April 12, 1982 in Austin, Texas) is an American professional baseball player. ... is the 193rd day of the year (194th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Aubrey Lewis Huff (born December 20, 1976 in Fort Worth, Texas) is a Major League Baseball player for the Houston Astros. ... Major league affiliations National League (1962–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 5, 24, 25, 32, 33, 34, 40, 42, 49 Name Houston Astros (1965–present) Houston Colt . ... Benjamin T. Zobrist (born May 26, 1981 in Eureka, Illinois) is an American baseball player and currently plays in Major League Baseball for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... Mitch R. Talbot (born October 17, 1983 in Cedar City, Utah) is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... is the 212th day of the year (213th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Julio Cesar Lugo (born on November 16, 1975 in Barahona, Dominican Republic) is a major league shortstop for the Boston Red Sox. ... Major league affiliations National League (1890–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 2, 4, 19, 20, 24, 32, 39, 42, 53 Name Los Angeles Dodgers (1958–present) Brooklyn Dodgers (1932-1957) Brooklyn Robins (1914-1931) Brooklyn Dodgers (1913) Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers (1911-1912) Brooklyn Superbas (1899... Irvin Joel Vigo Guzmán (born November 24, 1984 in Quisqueya, Dominican Republic), is an infielder/outfielder in Major League Baseball who plays in the Tampa Bay Devil Rays minor league system. ... is the 236th day of the year (237th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Russell Oles Branyan (b. ... Major league affiliations National League (1969–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 6, 19, 31, 35, 42 Name San Diego Padres (1969–present) Other nicknames The Pads, The Friars, The Fathers, The Dads Ballpark PETCO Park (2004–present) Qualcomm Stadium (1969-2003) a. ... Scott Edward Kazmir (born January 24, 1984 in Houston, Texas) is a left-handed starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... Ty Allen Wigginton (born October 11, 1977 in San Diego, California) is an infielder in Major League Baseball for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... Jonny Johnson Gomes (born November 22, 1980, in Petaluma, California) is a current outfielder and designated hitter in Major League Baseball. ... Jorge Luís Cantú (born January 30, 1982 in Reynosa, Mexico) is a major league third baseman and second baseman for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... Year 1943 (MCMXLIII) was a common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... There have been three professional baseball teams based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania known as the Philadelphia Athletics: 1. ... Year 1961 (MCMLXI) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The Rays were involved in two unusual triple plays in 2006; one they hit into, the other they executed themselves. On June 11 against Kansas City, they hit into the third triple play in major league history, and first since 1937, that involved an appeal. Russell Branyan flew out to center, Rocco Baldelli tried to advance to second base and was thrown out, and then Aubrey Huff was called out when the umpires ruled that he left third base early when he tagged up. Then, on September 2 against Seattle, the Rays executed a 2-6-2 triple play where the ball never touched the bat, something that had never been done before. Seattle's Raul Ibanez struck out, Dioner Navarro caught Adrian Beltre trying to steal second base, and then Ben Zobrist threw Jose Lopez out at home plate.^[15] In baseball, a triple play (denoted by TP) is the act of making three outs during the same continuous play. ... is the 162nd day of the year (163rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Major league affiliations American League (1969–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 5, 10, 20, 42 Name Kansas City Royals (1969–present) Other nicknames The Boys in Blue Ballpark Kauffman Stadium (1973–present) a. ... Russell Oles Branyan (b. ... Rocco Dan Baldelli (born September 25, 1981 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island) is a Major League Baseball player for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... Aubrey Lewis Huff (born December 20, 1976 in Fort Worth, Texas) is a Major League Baseball player for the Houston Astros. ... is the 245th day of the year (246th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Major league affiliations American League (1977–present) West Division (1977–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Seattle Mariners (1977–present) Other nicknames The Ms Ballpark Safeco Field (1999–present) King County Domed Stadium (Kingdome) (1977-1999) Major league titles World Series titles (0) none AL Pennants (0) None... Raúl Javier Ibánez [e-BAH-nyes] (born June 2, 1972 in New York, NY) is a designated hitter/outfielder in Major League Baseball who plays with the Seattle Mariners. ... Dioner Faviau Navarro (born February 9, 1984 in Caracas, Venezuela) is a Major League Baseball catcher and switch-hitter who plays for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... Adri n Beltr [ah-dree-AN bell-TRAY] (born April 7, 1979 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) is a Major League Baseball third baseman who plays for the Seattle Mariners. ... Benjamin T. Zobrist (born May 26, 1981 in Eureka, Illinois) is an American baseball player and currently plays in Major League Baseball for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... José Celestino López (born November 24, 1983 in Anzoátegui State, Venezuela) is a shortstop and right-handed batter who plays for the Seattle Mariners. ...

On the positive side, the Rays finished with a winning record at home (41-40) for the first time ever. Also, home attendance increased by 20% over 2005 to 1,372,193. This was the Rays' highest attendance since 2000.^[15] Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ...

2006-2007 offseason: Rays sign Iwamura

During the 2006 offseason, the Rays lost two players who had been in their organization. Cory Lidle, who had played parts of the 1999 and 2000 seasons in the major leagues for the Rays, died in an airplane crash in Manhattan on October 11.^[16] Erik Walker, a 23-year-old pitching prospect for the Hudson Valley Renegades who had recently gone 3-1 with a 0.48 ERA during his first professional season, died in a canoeing accident on the New River in Grayson County, Virginia.^[17] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Cory Fulton Lidle (March 22, 1972 – October 11, 2006) was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 1999 throughout the world. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2000 throughout the world. ... On October 11, 2006, a Cirrus SR20 small private plane crashed in New York City about 2:42 p. ... is the 284th day of the year (285th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... League New York-Penn League Division McNamara Division Year founded 1994 Major League affiliation Tampa Bay Devil Rays Home ballpark Dutchess Stadium Previous home ballparks City Fishkill, New York Current uniform colors navy blue, maroon Previous uniform colors green, maroon Logo design Two crossed baseball bats with a homeplate shield... The New River is a tributary of the Kanawha River, approximately 320 mi (515 km) long, in the U.S. states of North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia in the United States. ... Grayson County is a county located in the state of Virginia. ...

On November 15, 2006, the Rays won the rights to negotiate a contract with Japanese infielder Akinori Iwamura.^[18] He was signed to a three-year, $7.7-million contract on December 15, and ultimately made the 2007 Opening Day active roster. The Rays paid $4.55 million USD (around ¥538 million) to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows for the rights to Iwamura.^[19] is the 319th day of the year (320th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... ‹ The template below (Expand) is being considered for deletion. ... is the 349th day of the year (350th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2007 throughout the world. ... The Tokyo Yakult Swallows (Japanese: , Tōkyō Yakuruto Suwarōzu) are a professional baseball team in Japans Central League. ...

In an effort to court the Orlando, Florida, market, the Rays played a series at The Ballpark (now called Champion Stadium) at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in the 2007 season. The series selected was the May 15-17 series versus the Texas Rangers. The Rays swept the Rangers in that series. The Rays are also entering their second season with a team representative working in the Orlando market.^[20] There are no concerns about moving; the Rays have a thirty-year lease at Tropicana Field, keeping them in St. Petersburg at least through 2027. Nickname: Location in Orange County and the state of Florida Coordinates: , Country State Counties Orange Government  - Mayor Buddy Dyer (D) Area  - City 101 sq mi (261. ... Champion Stadium is a 9,500 seat baseball stadium located at Disneys Wide World of Sports in the Walt Disney World Resort, Florida. ... Located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex is an athletic complex that features a 8,000 seated ballpark called Cracker Jack Stadium and a 10,000 seated soccer stadium. ... Major league affiliations American League (1961–present) West Division (1972–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 26, 34, 42 Name Texas Rangers (1972–present) Washington Senators (1961-1971) Other nicknames None in common use Ballpark Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (1994–present) a. ...

2007: Peña and young stars lead the way

Main article: 2007 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season

The Rays had the youngest starting line-up since the 1983 Minnesota Twins. One of those young players, Elijah Dukes, was put on the temporary inactive list when a St. Petersburg Times report alleged he threatened to kill his estranged wife and their children. Dukes didn't play again for the remainder of the season. On the other hand, the Rays had bright spots on the year as they were led by pitchers James Shields and Scott Kazmir, who were both exceptional. Shields put in 215 innings and would have been close to 20 wins had he not endured multiple bullpen collapses. Meanwhile, Kazmir struck out a career high 239 batters with an ERA of 3.48. Major league affiliations American League (Since 1998) Eastern Division (Since 1998) 2007 Uniform Location Tropicana Field (Since 1998) St. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 3, 6, 14, 29, 34, 42 Name Minnesota Twins (1961–present) Washington Nationals/Senators (1901-1960) Other nicknames The Twinkies Ballpark Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 1982-present Metropolitan Stadium (1961-1981) Griffith Stadium (1911-1960... James Shields (May 10, 1810 – June 1, 1879) was an American politician and U.S. Army officer who was born in Altmore, County Tyrone, Ireland. ... Scott Edward Kazmir (born January 24, 1984 in Houston, Texas) is a left-handed starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ...

Offensively, the Rays may have had their best year. Tampa Bay was third in the AL in home runs (187) notably behind the New York Yankees. They also posted 131 stolen bases which also placed them third in the AL. They were led by Comeback Player of the Year, Carlos Peña who batted .282 and set Rays records in home runs (46), RBIs (121), walks (103), on-base percentage (.411), and slugging percentage (.627). He ranked fourth in the Majors in home runs and sixth in RBIs. They were also led by BJ Upton, All-Star Carl Crawford, and rookies Delmon Young and Akinori Iwamura. Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 32, 37, 44, 49 Name New York Yankees (1913–present) New York Highlanders (1903-1912) Baltimore Orioles (1901-1902) (Also referred to as... Carlos Felipe Peña (born May 17, 1978 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) is a left-handed first baseman for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... According to MLB.com: B.J.s nickname stands for Bossman Junior, with his father, Manny, being the original Bossman. ... Carl Demonte Crawford (born August 5, 1981 in Houston, Texas) is the starting left fielder for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays of Major League Baseball. ... Delmon Damarcus Young, (born September 14, 1985 in Montgomery, Alabama), the younger brother of Dmitri Young, is an outfielder on the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and is arguably the top hitting prospect in baseball as of the end of the 2005 minor-league baseball season. ... ‹ The template below (Expand) is being considered for deletion. ...

With their improved offense the Rays were one of baseball's best six-inning teams, but the absence of a steady bullpen wrecked many quality starts. The bullpen problem was at its worst during the first half, when the likes of Casey Fossum, Jae Seo and Edwin Jackson were just as likely to pitch two innings as five, which taxed an already mediocre bullpen by forcing them to log extra innings.

The Rays compiled the worst record in baseball (66-96), finishing last in the American League East for the ninth time in their 10-season existence. The Rays signed manager Joe Maddon to a contract extension, with the club picking up the 2008 and 2009 club options. Joseph John Maddon (born September 19, 1954, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania is the current manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in Major League Baseball, having been announced to that position on November 15, 2005. ...

2007-2008 Offseason: New uniforms & colors, New outlook

Main article: 2008 Tampa Bay Rays season

New uniforms for the 2008 season were officially revealed on November 8, 2007.^[21]The unveiling coincides with a name change for the team, as the team is now officially called the "Tampa Bay Rays". The TV and radio game broadcasters already referred to the team as the "Rays" more often than "Devil Rays". The new team colors are "navy, Columbia blue and a touch of gold"^[22]. Tampa Bay joins the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team they broke into the Majors with in 1998, as the teams with the most recent uniform and logo changes. The new team logo features a bright yellow sunburst that represents the Sunshine State of Florida. In the original press release, principal owner Stuart Sternberg said "We are now the 'Rays' - a beacon that radiates throughout Tampa Bay and across the entire state of Florida."^[23] An alternative for a new Rays logo. ... is the 312th day of the year (313th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Navy blue is an especially dark shade of the color blue. ... Columbia blue is a light blue tertiary color. ... Gold is a shade of the color yellow closest to that of gold metal. ... Stuart L. Sternberg (born 1960 in New York City, New York is Wall Street investor and the principle owner of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ...

The biggest surprise of the 2007 offseason to date came on November 9 when the Rays announced that they were in negotiations to potentially build a new $450-million open-air baseball stadium at the site of Progress Energy Park/Al Lang Field, their current spring training facility on the St. Petersburg waterfront. Stu Sternberg would provide $150 million and sign a long-term lease, and much of the remaining money would be covered by the sale of redevelopment rights to Tropicana Field and the state of Florida's 30-year, $60-million sales tax rebate for new venues. Any final plans would have to be approved by voters in St. Petersburg—all new construction on public property in St. Petersburg, regardless of whether or not it costs the taxpayers anything, has to be approved in a referendum.^[24] is the 313th day of the year (314th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Progress Energy Park (full name Progress Energy Park home of Al Lang Field) is a 7,227 seat baseball stadium located on the downtown St. ... Tropicana Field is a domed stadium in St. ...

In addition, the Rays front office has promised to increase the team's payroll for the coming season. Whereas it is currently around $24 million^[25], the "mid-30s" has been rumored as a minimum for 2008.^[22]

While the Rays should begin the 2008 season with the same lineup that ended the 2007 season—third baseman Iwamura, left fielder Crawford, center fielder Upton, first baseman Peña, right fielder Young, second baseman Harris, designated hitter Jonny Gomes, catcher Dioner Navarro, and shortstop Josh Wilson—there are some wild cards in the mix. It is rumored that the Rays are going to talk to Jorge Posada if he decides to become a free agent. They are also talking to the Washington Nationals about trading Rocco Baldelli for Chad Cordero. If outfielder Rocco Baldelli is finally healthy, the Rays will have to find a place for him, and with top third-base prospect Evan Longoria and shortstop Reid Brignac quickly advancing through the organization, either could jump into the fray. The Rays also signed the #1 pick in the draft last year, pitcher David Price, who was widely recognized as one of the top players in college baseball.^[26] For the actress with a similar name, see Eva Longoria. ... David Price (Born August 26, 1985) is an amateur pitcher drafted #1 overall in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ...

Future

With trying to expand its fan base like earlier in the year with games in Orlando, the team could also explore changing its name from Tampa Bay to Florida. Before any such change, they would have to wait as their rival Marlins hold that name as they could look to change theirs to Miami if they manage to get their stadium deal done. The Rays also changed their cap insignia to "TB", another obstacle if they wish to explore it. The Rays are also talking about building a New Rays Ballpark // Orlando may refer to: The Italian form of the name Roland Orlando (character), the subject of several works: The Song of Roland, the oldest major work of French literature Orlando furioso, an epic poem written by Ludovico Ariosto Orlando innamorato, an epic poem written by Matteo Maria Boiardo Orlando: A... The New Rays Ballpark is a new ballpark that the Tampa Bay Rays are considering building to replace Tropicana Field. ...

The Rays may play another series at Champion Stadium in Orlando in 2008, and a series in April against the Toronto Blue Jays may be moved there. Neither the MLB nor the Blue Jays, who are 10-17 at Tropicana Field over the previous three seasons, have resisted the idea.^[27] Champion Stadium is a 9,500 seat baseball stadium located at Disneys Wide World of Sports in the Walt Disney World Resort, Florida. ... Major league affiliations American League (1977–present) East Division (1977–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Toronto Blue Jays (1977–present) Other nicknames The Jays Ballpark Rogers Centre (1989–present) a. ...

Season records

This year in baseball 1995 - 1996 - 1997 - 1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 Events January-March January 5 - Don Sutton, a 324-game winner is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on his fifth try. ... Larry Rothschild is the pitching coach of the Chicago Cubs. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 1999 throughout the world. ... Larry Rothschild is the pitching coach of the Chicago Cubs. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2000 throughout the world. ... Larry Rothschild is the pitching coach of the Chicago Cubs. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2001 throughout the world. ... Larry Rothschild is the pitching coach of the Chicago Cubs. ... Harold Abraham McRae (born July 10, 1945 in Avon Park, Florida) is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Cincinnati Reds (1968, 1970-72) and Kansas City Royals (1973-87). ... This year in baseball: 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 Events January-March January 8 - Ozzie Smith is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. ... Harold Abraham McRae (born July 10, 1945 in Avon Park, Florida) is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Cincinnati Reds (1968, 1970-72) and Kansas City Royals (1973-87). ... The following are the events of the year 2003 that happened world-wide throughout the sport of baseball. ... Louis Victor Piniella (born August 28, 1943, in Tampa, Florida) is the current manager of the Chicago Cubs and a former Major League Baseball outfielder. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2004 throughout the world. ... Louis Victor Piniella (born August 28, 1943, in Tampa, Florida) is the current manager of the Chicago Cubs and a former Major League Baseball outfielder. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2005 throughout the world. ... Louis Victor Piniella (born August 28, 1943, in Tampa, Florida) is the current manager of the Chicago Cubs and a former Major League Baseball outfielder. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2006 throughout the world. ... Joseph John Maddon (born September 19, 1954, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania is the current manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in Major League Baseball, having been announced to that position on November 15, 2005. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2007 throughout the world. ... Joseph John Maddon (born September 19, 1954, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania is the current manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in Major League Baseball, having been announced to that position on November 15, 2005. ...

Quick facts

Raymond, team mascot

Founded: 1998 (American League expansion)

Home ballpark: Tropicana Field

Uniform colors: white, navy blue, Columbia blue, gold

Logo design: The word "Rays" in a baseball diamond

Mascot: A six-foot, six-inch seadog named "Raymond"

Playoff appearances (0): none

Owner: Stuart Sternberg, et al.

President: Matthew Silverman

Executive VP of Baseball Operations (de facto General Manager): Andrew Friedman

Manager: Joe Maddon

Local Television: FSN Florida, WXPX

Spring Training Facility: Progress Energy Park, St. Petersburg, FL

Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 462 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1868 × 2422 pixel, file size: 319 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) The content of this image was reviewed by Royalbroil and afterwards uploaded by FlickrLickr. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 462 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1868 × 2422 pixel, file size: 319 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) The content of this image was reviewed by Royalbroil and afterwards uploaded by FlickrLickr. ... Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... The American League (or formally the American League of Professional Baseball Clubs) is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States of America and Canada. ... Tropicana Field is a domed stadium in St. ... Stuart L. Sternberg (born 1960 in New York City, New York is Wall Street investor and the principle owner of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. ... Andrew Friedman is the Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays franchise in Major League Baseball. ... Joseph John Maddon (born September 19, 1954, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania is the current manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in Major League Baseball, having been announced to that position on November 15, 2005. ... Fox Sports Net Florida (FSN Florida) is a television channel that shows local sports coverage in the state of Florida. ... WXPX is a television station licensed to Bradenton, Florida. ... Progress Energy Park (full name Progress Energy Park home of Al Lang Field) is a 7,227 seat baseball stadium located on the downtown St. ... Saint Petersburg (or St. ...

Retired numbers

• 12 Wade Boggs, 3B, 1998-99
• 42 Jackie Robinson, retired by all Major League clubs to honor his breaking of Baseball's color barrier.

Wade Anthony Boggs (born June 15, 1958 in Omaha, Nebraska) is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Boston Red Sox. ... Jack Roosevelt Jackie Robinson (January 31, 1919 – October 24, 1972) became the first African-American major league baseball player of the modern era in 1947. ...

Baseball Hall of Famers

No one has yet been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame based primarily on service with the Rays. One Hall of Famer wore Devil Ray green late in his career: The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, located at 62 Main Street in Cooperstown, New York, is a semi-official museum operated by private interests serving as the central point for the study of the history of baseball in the United States and beyond, the display of baseball-related...

• Wade Boggs, 3B, 1998-99

Wade Anthony Boggs (born June 15, 1958 in Omaha, Nebraska) is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Boston Red Sox. ...

Famous fans

• Mike Alstott - Fullback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Bubba the Love Sponge - Radio personality
• Hulk Hogan - Professional wrestler
• Brian Knobbs - Professional wrestler
• John Cena - Professional wrestler
• Marcus Stroud - Defensive Tackle for the Jacksonville Jaguars
• Silas Simmons - Former Negro Leagues baseball player
• Rob Szasz - The "Happy Heckler"
• Tim Surrency - Former Bucs Player
• Dick Vitale - College basketball broadcaster
• Rob Stone - ESPN broadcaster
• Jason Williams - Professional basketball player
• Paul Azinger - PGA Golfer

Michael Joseph Alstott, nicknamed The A-Train, (born December 21, 1973, Joliet, Illinois), is an American football player who plays fullback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. ... City Tampa, Florida Other nicknames The Bucs, Pewter Pirates Team colors Buccaneer Red, Black, Pewter, and Orange Head Coach Jon Gruden Owner Malcolm Glazer General manager Bruce Allen Mascot Captain Fear League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1976–present) American Football Conference (1976) AFC West (1976) National Football Conference (1977... Bubba the Love Sponge Clem (born Todd Clem in Warsaw, Indiana on April 23, 1966) is a Tampa, Florida radio talk show host who has had a colorful past. ... Terrence Gene Bollea (born on August 11, 1953) is an American actor and semi-retired professional wrestler better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... John Felix Anthony Cena, Jr. ... Marcus Stroud (born June 25, 1978 in Thomasville, Georgia) is an American Football player who currently plays Defensive Tackle for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL. // Won a state title with Brooks County High School in 1994. ... City Jacksonville, Florida Team colors Teal, Black, White, and Gold Head Coach Jack Del Rio Owner Wayne Weaver General manager James Harris Mascot Jaxson de Ville League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1995–present) American Football Conference (1995-present) AFC Central (1995-2001) AFC South (2002-present) Team history Jacksonville... Silas Joseph Simmons (1893, 1895 or 1897-2006) Silas Joseph Si Simmons (October 14, 1895 [1]– October 29, 2006) was an American semi-professional and professional baseball player for African-American teams in the pre-Negro League era, and became the longest-lived professional baseball player in history. ... Robert Szasz, also known as The Happy Heckler, is a well-known heckler at Tampa Bay Devil Rays baseball games. ... Richard J. Dick Vitale, also known as Dickie V and Mr. ... Rob Stone is an American soccer and football commentator. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Paul William Azinger (born January 6, 1960) is an American golfer who was at his peak in the late 1980s and the early 1990s. ...

Current roster

Franchise leaders

See Tampa Bay Rays team records

// Home Runs: 46 Carlos Peña (2007) Batting Average: .315 Carl Crawford (2007) On-base percentage: .411 Carlos Peña (2007) Slugging Percentage: .627 Carlos Peña (2007) OPS: 1. ...

Radio and television

As of 2007, the Rays' flagship radio station is WHNZ 1250 AM. The announcers are Dave Wills and Andy Freed. Rich Herrera is the pregame and postgame host. This team replaced Paul Olden and Charlie Slowes as of the 2005 season. Slowes went to the Washington Nationals, while Olden pursued a photography career. From 1998 through 2004, Rays games were on WFLA 970 AM. 2007 is a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ... WHNZ is an AM news/talk radio station in Tampa, Florida. ... Dave Wills is an American radio sportscaster and currently serves as the play-by-play announcer for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, which is a position he has held since 2005. ... Andy Freed is currently one of the radio play-by-play announcers of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays baseball team. ... Charlie Slowes is a longtime American sportscaster who is currently the radio play-by-play announcer for the Washington Nationals. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2005 throughout the world. ... Major league affiliations National League (1969–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Washington Nationals (2005–present) Montreal Expos (1969-2004) Other nicknames The Nats Ballpark Nationals Ballpark (2008–present) RFK Stadium 2005-2007 Hiram Bithorn Stadium[3] (San Juan) (2003-2004) Olympic Stadium (Montreal) (1977... WFLA could refer to two broadcast stations in the Tampa / St. ...

The main television broadcaster is FSN Florida, although several games also air on local affiliate stations throughout the state of Florida including WXPX in Tampa, WOPX in Orlando, WPXC in Jacksonville, WCTV-DT2 in Tallahassee, WMYG-LP in Gainesville, and WBIF in Panama City. Previously, Rays games aired on local affiliates such as WMOR and WTSP in Tampa, WRDQ in Orlando, and WFXU in Tallahassee. Dewayne Staats (play-by-play) and Joe Magrane (color commentary) have been the TV team since the Rays' inception. A more recent addition to the telecasts is Todd Kalas, the son of Philadelphia legend Harry Kalas, who serves as the pregame and postgame host as well as a field reporter during games. Todd also hosts magazine shows and specials on FSN Florida throughout the season. Dick Crippen and Whit Watson have both filled in for Todd Kalas in the past. Fox Sports Net Florida (FSN Florida) is a television channel that shows local sports coverage in the state of Florida. ... WXPX is a television station licensed to Bradenton, Florida. ... WOPX channel 56 is a television station based in Melbourne, Florida, an affiliate of the i network. ... WPXC is an FM radio station serving the Cape Cod market on 102. ... WCTV is the CBS television affiliate that is supposed to serve Thomasville, Georgia, but rather focuses entirely on the Tallahassee, Florida television market. ... WMYG-LP, My 11, is the UPN [1] affiliated television station in the Gainesville TV market. ... WBIF is a television station in Marianna, Florida, serving the Panama City, Florida market on channel 51 as an affiliate of UPN. Founded December 4, 1998, the station is owned by Equity Broadcasting. ... WMOR-TV is a independent television station in Tampa, Florida. ... WTSP, Tampa Bays 10 is a CBS-affiliate television station on the west coast of Florida (Tampa–St. ... WRDQ channel 27 is an independent television station based in Orlando, Florida. ... WFXU and WTLF are The WB television affiliate stations serving the Tallahassee, Florida television market. ... Dewayne Staats Dewayne Staats is the play-by-play commentator for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays television broadcasts. ... Play-by-play, in broadcasting, is a North American term and means the reporting of a sporting event with a voiceover describing the details of the action of the game in progress. ... Joseph David Magrane (born July 2, 1964 in Des Moines, Iowa) is a former Major League Baseball pitcher and current color commentary broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, teamed with play-by-play announcer Dewayne Staats. ... A color (or colour) commentator is a member of the broadcasting team for a sporting event who assists the play-by-play announcer by filling in any time when play is not in progress. ... Harry Norbert Kalas (born March 26, 1936) is an American sportscaster, best known for his roles as lead play-by-play announcer for Major League Baseballs Philadelphia Phillies, National Football League radio broadcasts by Westwood One and as voice-over narrator for NFL Films, a regular feature on HBO... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Whit Watson is a sportscaster for Sun Sports, the Florida-based regional cable network owned and operated by Fox Television. ...

FSN produces all games, regardless of on what outlet they are shown. In 2007, about 1/4 of the schedule will be aired in HD. High-definition television (HDTV) is a digital television broadcasting system with greater resolution than traditional television systems (NTSC, SECAM, PAL). ...

Although Rays games can be seen throughout Florida where available without blackout, FSN Florida games cannot be seen on the Bright House Networks affiliate for the Orlando, Florida, area, since that cable system does not carry FSN Florida. Only games carried by WOPX are shown on Bright House in Orlando. The Bright House Networks logo. ... Nickname: Location in Orange County and the state of Florida Coordinates: , Country State Counties Orange Government  - Mayor Buddy Dyer (D) Area  - City 101 sq mi (261. ... WOPX channel 56 is a television station based in Melbourne, Florida, an affiliate of the i network. ...

Minor league affiliations

• AAA: Durham Bulls, International League
• AA: Montgomery Biscuits, Southern League
• Advanced A: Vero Beach Devil Rays, Florida State League
• A: Columbus Catfish, South Atlantic League
• Short A: Hudson Valley Renegades, New York-Penn League
• Rookie: Princeton Devil Rays, Appalachian League

This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The International League (IL) is a minor league baseball league which operates in the eastern United States and Canada. ... Tampa Bay Devil Rays American League AAA Durham Bulls AA Montgomery Biscuits A Visalia Oaks Southwest Michigan Devil Rays Hudson Valley Renegades R Princeton Devil Rays The Montgomery Biscuits are a minor league baseball team based in Montgomery, Alabama. ... The Southern League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the Southern United States. ... The Vero Beach Devil Rays are a Single-A Minor League Baseball team in the Florida State League. ... The Florida State League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the state of Florida. ... Los Angeles Dodgers National League AAA Las Vegas 51s AA Jacksonville Suns A Columbus Catfish Vero Beach Dodgers R Ogden Raptors Gulf Coast Dodgers The Columbus Catfish are a minor league baseball team in Columbus, Georgia, USA. They are a Class A team in the South Atlantic League, and have... The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league which operates mostly in the southeastern United States, although it now has teams in New Jersey and Ohio. ... League New York-Penn League Division McNamara Division Year founded 1994 Major League affiliation Tampa Bay Devil Rays Home ballpark Dutchess Stadium Previous home ballparks City Fishkill, New York Current uniform colors navy blue, maroon Previous uniform colors green, maroon Logo design Two crossed baseball bats with a homeplate shield... The New York - Penn League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the northeastern United States. ... Tampa Bay Devil Rays American League AAA Durham Bulls AA Montgomery Biscuits A Visalia Oaks Southwest Michigan Devil Rays Hudson Valley Renegades R Princeton Devil Rays The Princeton Devil Rays are a minor league baseball team in Princeton, West Virginia, USA. They are a Class R team in the Appalachian... The Appalachian League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the Virginia and Tennessee region. ...

Tampa Bay Rays in popular culture

• The 2002 film The Rookie is based on the true story of Jim Morris, a pitcher for the Rays in the 1999 and 2000 seasons.
• In an episode of The Simpsons, Professor Frink referred to Astrology as the "Tampa Bay Devil Rays of Science".
• In another episode of The Simpsons, Bart and Milhouse pretend to be baseball players, Bart saying "I'm Tomokazu Ohka of the Montreal Expos!" and Milhouse replying "And I'm Esteban Yan of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays!"
• In an episode of Everybody Hates Chris, Chris Rock, narrating, says that "Black Santa Claus caused more tears than the Tampa Bay Devil Rays."
• In an episode of Blood Sisters, Kurumi mentions the reason why they never had a winning record was because they play too much Metal Gear Solid.
• In the movie Fever Pitch, while Jimmy Fallon's character has his friends dance off for Yankees tickets, he says, "That's not Yankee dancing, that's Devil Ray dancing!"
• Kevin Costner and his band, Modern West, played at the unveiling. Costner played the main character in the 1988 baseball film Bull Durham, a fictional depiction of the current Rays AAA club, the Durham Bulls.

Image File history File links Broom_icon. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... The Rookie is a 2002 drama, directed by John Lee Hancock. ... natalie is hott i cut her hair! hahahahaha =) she mad @ me for it! tht her problem tho!! lol she my gf yes bitches thts rite! ... Simpsons redirects here. ... Professor John Nerdelbaum Frink, Jr. ... Hand-coloured version of the anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). ... A magnet levitating above a high-temperature superconductor demonstrates the Meissner effect. ... Tomokazu Ohka [toe-mo-KAH-zoo OH-ka] (大家友和, born March 18, 1976 in Kyoto, Japan) is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher who plays for the Milwaukee Brewers. ... The Montreal Expos (French: Les Expos de Montréal) were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada from 1969 until 2004. ... Esteban Luis Yan (born on June 22, 1975 in Campiña del Seibo, Dominican Republic) is a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Cincinnati Reds. ... Everybody Hates Chris is an African-American sitcom broadcast on the CW Network, featuring fictional characters and situations broadly based on real people and situations. ... Christopher Julius Rock III[5] (born February 7, 1965)[6][7] is an American comedian, actor, screenwriter, television producer, film producer and director. ... This article is about the original Metal Gear Solid released for the PlayStation. ... Fever Pitch, which was released as The Perfect Catch outside of the United States and Canada, is a Farrelly Brothers comedy film. ... James Thomas Fallon (born September 19, 1974 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American comedian, actor, musician, and Grammy nominee best known for his work on Saturday Night Live. ... Kevin Michael Costner (born January 18, 1955) is an American film actor, director and producer. ... // Michael Jacksons first film was Moonwalker Rain Man, starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise Who Framed Roger Rabbit, starring Bob Hoskins Coming to America, starring Eddie Murphy Big, starring Tom Hanks Twins, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito Crocodile Dundee II Die Hard, starring Bruce Willis The Naked Gun... Bull Durham is a 1988 American movie about love and baseball. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Rivals

Tampa Bay's rivals include the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees (who make Tampa their Spring Training home), and the Rays' in-state rival from the NL, the Florida Marlins. Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 4, 8, 9, 27, 42 Name Boston Red Sox (1908–present) Boston Americans (1901-1907) Other nicknames The BoSox, The Olde Towne Team, The Sox Ballpark Fenway Park (1912–present) Huntington Avenue Baseball Grounds... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 32, 37, 44, 49 Name New York Yankees (1913–present) New York Highlanders (1903-1912) Baltimore Orioles (1901-1902) (Also referred to as... A Grapefruit League game at the LA Dodgers camp in Vero Beach, Florida In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of exhibition games which precedes the regular season. ... Major league affiliations National League (1993–present) East Division (1993–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 5, 42 Name Florida Marlins (1993–present) Other nicknames The Fish Ballpark Dolphin Stadium (1993–present) a. ...

When Lou Piniella was manager, the Rays had some tense moments and several bench-clearing brawls with the Boston Red Sox, perhaps due to Piniella's history with the latter team when he was a player with the New York Yankees in the 1970s. After one 2005 incident in which several hit batsmen led to an on-field shoving match between the teams, Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling called Piniella an "idiot" during a radio interview on a Boston station. This did not calm the tension. ^[28] Louis Victor Piniella (born August 28, 1943, in Tampa, Florida) is the current manager of the Chicago Cubs and a former Major League Baseball outfielder. ... A bench-clearing brawl, sometimes known as a basebrawl, is a form of ritualistic fighting that occurs in sports, most notably baseball and ice hockey, in which both teams leave their dugouts, bullpens, or benches and charge the field or ice surface in order to fight one another. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 4, 8, 9, 27, 42 Name Boston Red Sox (1908–present) Boston Americans (1901-1907) Other nicknames The BoSox, The Olde Towne Team, The Sox Ballpark Fenway Park (1912–present) Huntington Avenue Baseball Grounds... The Yankees-Red Sox rivalry is one of the longest and the most bitter rivalries in professional sports. ... Curtis Montague (Curt) Schilling (born November 14, 1966 in Anchorage, Alaska) is an American Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. ...

See also

• All-Time roster
• Statistical records and milestone achievements

Image File history File links Commons-logo. ... The following is a list of players, both past and current, who appeared at least in one game for the Tampa Bay Rays franchise. ... // Home Runs: 46 Carlos Peña (2007) Batting Average: .315 Carl Crawford (2007) On-base percentage: .411 Carlos Peña (2007) Slugging Percentage: .627 Carlos Peña (2007) OPS: 1. ...

References

Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 169th day of the year (170th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 169th day of the year (170th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 169th day of the year (170th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 169th day of the year (170th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 169th day of the year (170th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 169th day of the year (170th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 169th day of the year (170th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 169th day of the year (170th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 169th day of the year (170th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 169th day of the year (170th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 169th day of the year (170th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Baseball America is an alternative Major League Baseball resource, with in-depth coverage of every level of the game and a particular focus on up-and-coming players. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 166th day of the year (167th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 181st day of the year (182nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

• Tampa Bay Rays official web site
• Tampa Bay Rays: St. Petersburg Times
• Tampa Bay Rays: Tampa Tribune
• The Baseball Cube Tampa Bay Rays Team Page
• Sports E-Cyclopedia
• An Open Letter to Stuart Sternberg from BaseLine Report: Why There is Hope for the Rays