For current information on this topic, see 2008 Tampa Bay Rays season

Tampa Bay Rays Established 1998
Team Logo Cap Insignia
Major league affiliations
American League (1998–present) East Division (1998–present)
Current uniform
Retired Numbers	12, 42
Name
Tampa Bay Rays (2008–present)
Tampa Bay Devil Rays (1998-2007)
Other nicknames
D-Rays
Ballpark
Tropicana Field (1998–present)
Major league titles
World Series titles (0)	none
AL Pennants (0)	none
Division titles (0)	none
Wild card berths (0)	None
Owner(s): Stuart Sternberg
Manager: Joe Maddon
General Manager: Andrew Friedman

The Tampa Bay Rays are a professional baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Tampa Bay Rays ' 2008 season, the 11th season in franchise history marks the change of the team's name from the "Tampa Bay Devil Rays" to the "Tampa Headline events of the year Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Ken Griffey Jr The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League ( AL) is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in Headline events of the year Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Ken Griffey Jr The American League East Division is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions Headline events of the year Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Ken Griffey 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 Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson (January 31 1919 – October 24 1972 was a Baseball player for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Calendar Major League Baseball See also 2008 Major League Baseball season Postseason October 1 – ALDS and Headline events of the year Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Ken Griffey Jr Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Minor League Baseball Tropicana Field is a Domed stadium in St Petersburg Florida, which has been the home of Major League Baseball 's Tampa Bay Rays since Headline events of the year Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Ken Griffey Jr Stuart L Sternberg (born 1959 in New York City, New York) is a Wall Street investor Joseph John Maddon (born February 8 1954, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania) is the current manager of the Tampa Bay Rays in Andrew Friedman (born in Houston Texas, United States is the Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations for the Tampa Bay Rays franchise in Major League Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world St Petersburg (often shortened to St Pete) is a city in Pinellas County Florida, United States. Florida ( is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordering Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The American League East Division is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League ( AL) is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in From 1998 to the present, the Rays have played in Tropicana Field. Headline events of the year Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Ken Griffey Jr Tropicana Field is a Domed stadium in St Petersburg Florida, which has been the home of Major League Baseball 's Tampa Bay Rays since

From their inception up until November 2007, the organization's name was the "Devil Rays", after the common nickname for the manta ray. November 2007 is the eleventh month of that year It began on a Thursday and 30 days later ended on a Friday The manta ray ( Manta birostris) is the largest of the rays, with the largest known specimen having been more than 7 They were nicknamed "The D-Rays", a shortened version of the Devil Rays name. Baseball nicknames have become an integral part of the sport's culture "In no sport are nicknames more pervasive than baseball The new name "Rays" is described by principal owner Stuart Sternberg as the team representing, "A beacon that radiates throughout Tampa Bay and across the entire state of Florida. Stuart L Sternberg (born 1959 in New York City, New York) is a Wall Street investor "^[1]

An expansion franchise, the club was founded in St. Petersburg in 1998. Headline events of the year Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Ken Griffey Jr They are one of four active teams never to have played in a World Series, the others being the Texas Rangers, the Washington Nationals, and the Seattle Mariners. The Texas Rangers are an American professional baseball team based in Arlington Texas, United States, representing the Dallas-Ft The Washington Nationals is an American professional baseball team based in Washington D The Seattle Mariners are an American professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington, United States. They are the only team to have never made it to the playoffs, having finished in last place in every season of their existence, with the exception of 2004, when they finished fourth in their division. In sports the last place team is the team with the worst record in the league or division. The 2004 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season was their 7th since the franchise was created

Contents 1 Professional baseball in Tampa Bay 2 Franchise history 2.1 Before 1998 2.2 1998-2003: Early years as the Devil Rays 2.3 2004: Rise of Crawford, Baldelli and Kazmir 2.4 2005: End of Piniella era 2.4.1 2005-2006 offseason: Front office and managerial changes 2.5 2006: Rebuilding Year 2.5.1 2006-2007 offseason: Rays sign Iwamura 2.6 2007: Peña and young stars lead the way 2.6.1 2007-2008 offseason: New name, uniforms & outlook 2.6.1.1 Roster moves 2.6.1.2 New ballpark? 2.7 2008 season 3 Season records 4 Rivals 5 Quick facts 6 Retired numbers 7 Current roster 8 Environmental record 9 Franchise leaders 10 Radio and television 11 Rays fandom 11.1 The Happy Heckler 11.2 More Cowbell 11.3 Professional wrestlers 12 Minor league affiliations 13 Notable former players 14 See also 15 References 16 External links

Professional baseball in Tampa Bay

See also: Baseball in Tampa Bay

Local leaders made many unsuccessful attempts to acquire a major league baseball team in the 1980s and 1990s. Baseball in Tampa Bay has had a long and storied history despite the area's Major League Baseball team the Tampa Bay Rays, being one of the youngest franchises The Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers, and Seattle Mariners all considered moving to either Tampa or St. The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in, that currently play in the National League West Division. The Chicago White Sox are a professional Baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois. The Texas Rangers are an American professional baseball team based in Arlington Texas, United States, representing the Dallas-Ft The Seattle Mariners are an American professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington, United States. Petersburg before deciding to remain in their current locations. The Florida Suncoast Dome (now named Tropicana Field) was built in St. Tropicana Field is a Domed stadium in St Petersburg Florida, which has been the home of Major League Baseball 's Tampa Bay Rays since Petersburg in 1990 with the purpose of luring a major league team. When MLB 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. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Toronto Blue Jays over Philadelphia Phillies (4-2 Paul Molitor, Petersburg. However, the teams were awarded to Denver (Colorado Rockies) and Miami (Florida Marlins) instead. The City and County of Denver (pronounced /ˈdɛnvɚ/ is the Capital and the most populous city of Colorado, in the United States The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. The Florida Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami Gardens Florida.

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. The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in, that currently play in the National League West Division. 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, Vincent J (Vince Naimoli was the founding owner of the American League baseball franchise in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, now known as the Tampa 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. The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth most populous city

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 changed St. Petersburg from a spring training location to a major league city.

Finally, on March 9, 1995, new expansion franchises were awarded to Naimoli's Tampa Bay group and a group from Phoenix (the Arizona Diamondbacks). Events 590 - Bahram Chobin is crowned as king Barham VI of Persia. Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 Phoenix (ˈfiːˌnɪks O'odham Skikik, Yavapai Wasinka, Western Apache Fiinigis, Navajo Hoozdo, The Arizona Diamondbacks (also referred to as the D-backs) are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix Arizona. The new franchises were scheduled to begin play in 1998.

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. The Tampa Bay Lightning is a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa Florida. The Tampa Bay Storm are a member franchise of the Arena Football League. The Arena Football League (AFL was founded in 1987 as an American football indoor league. After the birth of the Rays, the naming rights were sold to Tropicana Products and $70 million was spent on renovations. Tropicana Products, is an American based company and was founded in 1947 by Anthony T

Franchise history

Before 1998

The Devil 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. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Atlanta Braves over Cleveland Indians (4-2 Tom Glavine, MVP Charles G "Chuck" LaMar (born 1956 was the first general manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays franchise in American Major League Baseball The franchise's first minor league games took place in the 1996 season. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves (4-2 John Wetteland, MVP On November 7, 1997, Larry Rothschild was named the team's first manager. Events 1492 - The Ensisheim Meteorite the oldest Meteorite with a known date of impact strikes the Earth around noon in a Wheat Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar Lawrence Lee Rothschild (born March 12, 1954, in Chicago Illinois) is the Pitching coach of the Chicago Cubs. The team acquired 35 players in the Expansion Draft on November 18, 1997. The 1997 MLB Expansion Draft was held November 18, 1997. This Expansion draft was conducted by Major League Baseball to stock the major league Events 326 - The old St Peter's Basilica is consecrated 1302 - Pope Boniface VIII issues the Papal bull Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar Tony Saunders from the Florida Marlins was the first player drafted by the Devil Rays. Anthony Scott "Tony" Saunders (born April 29, 1974 in Baltimore, Maryland) is a retired American Major League baseball The Florida Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami Gardens Florida. 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. Bob Kelly "Bobby" Abreu /aˈbreʲu/ (nicknamed El Comedulce) (born March 11 1974 in Turmero Aragua State, Venezuela) is a Major League The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. Kevin Douglas Stocker (born February 13, 1970, in Spokane, Washington) is a former Major League Baseball Shortstop Before the 1998 season, star players Wade Boggs, Fred McGriff, and Wilson Alvarez were acquired. 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 Wilson Eduardo Alvarez Fuenmayor (born March 24, 1970 in Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela) is a former Major League Baseball

1998-2003: Early years as the Devil Rays

The Devil Rays played their first game on March 31, 1998 against the Detroit Tigers at Tropicana Field before a crowd of 45,369. Events 307 - After divorcing his wife Minervina, Constantine marries Fausta, the daughter of the retired Roman Emperor Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) The Detroit Tigers are a professional baseball team based in Detroit, Michigan, USA Wilson Alvarez threw the first pitch and Wade Boggs hit the first home run in team history that day, and although the Devil Rays lost their opening game 11-6, they actually got off to a good start. Wilson Eduardo Alvarez Fuenmayor (born March 24, 1970 in Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela) is a former Major League Baseball 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 They were 11-8 after 19 games before losing six straight, falling below . 500, never to recover to that level again in their inaugural season. They would go on to lose 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 - 2003. The American League East Division is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions José Canseco was signed prior to the 1999 season. José Canseco y Capas Jr (born July 2, 1964 in Havana, Cuba) is a former Outfielder and Designated hitter in Major 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. Events 322 BC - Battle of Crannon between Athens and Macedon following the death of Alexander the Great. Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) ^[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.

The Devil Rays acquired sluggers Vinny Castilla and Greg Vaughn on December 13, 1999 and dubbed McGriff, Canseco, Castilla, and Vaughn the "Hit Show". Vinicio Castilla Soria, commonly known as Vinny Castilla (born July 4, 1967 in Oaxaca Oaxaca, Mexico) is a former Major League Gregory Lamont Vaughn (born July 3, 1965) is a former Major League Baseball Left fielder and right-handed batter who played for the Milwaukee Events 1294 - Saint Celestine V abdicates the papacy after only five months Celestine hoped to return to his previous life Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) As it turned out, however, all of these players were past their prime, and the team continued to struggle in 2000. Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Caribbean World Series: 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. Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Caribbean World Series: Benjamin Grieve (born May 4, 1976 in Arlington Texas) is a former Major League Baseball Outfielder. The Oakland Athletics are a professional baseball team based in Oakland, California. On April 18, Larry Rothschild was fired as manager and was replaced by Hal McRae, and McGriff was dealt to the Chicago Cubs, interestingly taking nearly a month to decide whether to enforce his no-trade clause or to leave his hometown of Tampa for Chicago, which was in a heated divisional race. Events 1025 - Bolesław Chrobry is crowned in Gniezno, becoming the first King of Poland. Harold Abraham McRae (born July 10 1945 in Avon Park Florida) is a former Left fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the The Chicago Cubs are a Professional Baseball franchise based in Chicago, Illinois. A no-trade clause is an amendment to a contract usually relevant in American professional sports wherein a player may not be traded to another club By the 2002 season, the Devil Rays decided to build with younger players and drastically reduced the team payroll. Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Caribbean World Series: Randy Winn, Aubrey Huff, Toby Hall, and Carl Crawford began to emerge as key players. Dwight Randolph "Randy" Winn (born June 9 1974 in) is an Outfielder for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball Aubrey Lewis Huff (born December 20, 1976 in Marion Ohio) is a Major League Baseball Designated hitter, Third baseman Toby Jason Hall (born October 21, 1975 in Tacoma Washington) is a major league Catcher for the Chicago White Sox Carl Demonte Crawford (born August 5 1981 in) is the starting Left fielder for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. 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.

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). Headline event of the year The Florida Marlins become World Series champions holding off a dynastic New York Yankees team 4 games to The Seattle Mariners are an American professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington, United States. Louis Victor Piniella (pɨˈnɛlə born August 28, 1943, in Tampa Florida, United States) is the current manager of the Chicago The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the borough of The Bronx, in New York City, New York. The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati Ohio, USA Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Cincinnati Reds over Oakland Athletics (4-0 José Rijo, MVP 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. Rocco Daniel Baldelli (born September 25, 1981 in Woonsocket Rhode Island) is a Major League Baseball Outfielder for the Rhode Island ( officially named the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, is a state in the New England region of the United States A bizarre incident occurred in 2003 when, in an interleague game against the Chicago Cubs, Sammy Sosa's bat broke on a pitch from Devil Rays pitcher Geremi González, only to reveal it was corked. The Chicago Cubs are a Professional Baseball franchise based in Chicago, Illinois. Samuel Peralta Sosa (born November 12, 1968 in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic) is a Right fielder who is currently Geremis Segundo González Acosta ( January 8 1975 – May 25 2008) was a Venezuelan right-handed Pitcher in Major League 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

2004: Rise of Crawford, Baldelli and Kazmir

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. Headline events of the year The Boston Red Sox win their first World Series since, ending the Curse of the Bambino. It was the first time the Devil 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. Aubrey Lewis Huff (born December 20, 1976 in Marion Ohio) is a Major League Baseball Designated hitter, Third baseman Carl Demonte Crawford (born August 5 1981 in) is the starting Left fielder for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. Rocco Daniel Baldelli (born September 25, 1981 in Woonsocket Rhode Island) is a Major League Baseball Outfielder for the 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. Events 1419 - First Defenestration of Prague. 1502 - Christopher Columbus lands at Guanaja in the Bay Islands off "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Víctor Manuel Zambrano (born August 6, 1975 in Los Teques, Venezuela) is a Major League Baseball Pitcher who is currently "Mets" redirects here For the medical term see Metastasis. Scott Edward Kazmir (born January 24, 1984 in Houston Texas) is a left-handed Starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.

2005: End of Piniella era

After a 28-61 record at the All-Star Break in 2005, the Devil Rays turned it around in the second half of the season, going 39-34, for a final record of 67-95. The 2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 76th playing of the midseason exhibition Baseball Game between the all-stars of the American League 2005 Major League Baseball season Headline events of the year Chicago White Sox swept the Houston Astros to win the World Series 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. Rocco Daniel Baldelli (born September 25, 1981 in Woonsocket Rhode Island) is a Major League Baseball Outfielder for the Carl Demonte Crawford (born August 5 1981 in) is the starting Left fielder for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. Jorge Luis Cantú (born Jorge Luís Cantú Guzmán on January 30, 1982 in McAllen Texas) is a Major League Baseball Third baseman Jonathan Johnson Gomes (born November 22, 1980 in San Francisco California) is a current Designated hitter and Right fielder in To counterbalance that, however, the pitching staff had the second worst ERA in the American League. During their strong second half, the Devil Rays played spoilers in September, with timely victories over contenders such as the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the borough of The Bronx, in New York City, New York. The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California. 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.

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. Stuart L Sternberg (born 1959 in New York City, New York) is a Wall Street investor 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. Charles G "Chuck" LaMar (born 1956 was the first general manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays franchise in American Major League Baseball General Manager or GM for short is a descriptive term for certain executives in a Business operation Matthew Silverman was named the team president, and Andrew Friedman took the role of Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations. Matthew Silverman (born in Dallas Texas) is a former investment banker who is currently the President of the Tampa Bay Rays. Andrew Friedman (born in Houston Texas, United States is the Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations for the Tampa Bay Rays franchise in Major League 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. Gerald Hunsicker (born June 10, 1950, in Collegeville Pennsylvania) is the senior vice president baseball operations for the Tampa Bay Rays The Houston Astros are a Professional baseball team based in Houston Texas. 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]

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). Carl Demonte Crawford (born August 5 1981 in) is the starting Left fielder for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. Rocco Daniel Baldelli (born September 25, 1981 in Woonsocket Rhode Island) is a Major League Baseball Outfielder for the Jonathan Johnson Gomes (born November 22, 1980 in San Francisco California) is a current Designated hitter and Right fielder in Jorge Luis Cantú (born Jorge Luís Cantú Guzmán on January 30, 1982 in McAllen Texas) is a Major League Baseball Third baseman Scott Edward Kazmir (born January 24, 1984 in Houston Texas) is a left-handed Starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. 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. Delmon Damarcus Young, (born September 14 1985 in) is an Outfielder for the Minnesota Twins. Melvin Emanuel "B J" Upton (born August 21 1984 in Norfolk Virginia) is a Major League Baseball Center fielder for

In December 2005, Joe Maddon, the former bench coach for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, was named the new manager of the Devil Rays, the fourth in team history, replacing Lou Piniella in that role. Joseph John Maddon (born February 8 1954, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania) is the current manager of the Tampa Bay Rays in The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California.

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. Citrus County is a County located in the US state of Florida. ^[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.

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. 2005 Major League Baseball season Headline events of the year Chicago White Sox swept the Houston Astros to win the World Series 2006 Major League Baseball season|2006 Nippon Professional Baseball season Headline Event of the Year The 2006 World Baseball Classic is a surprise success 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. Events 879 - Louis III becomes King of the Western Franks. 1407 - the lama Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[6]

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. Events 1467 - The miraculous image in Our Lady of Good Counsel appear in Genazzano, Italy. Delmon Damarcus Young, (born September 14 1985 in) is an Outfielder for the Minnesota Twins. The Durham Bulls are a Minor league baseball team based in Durham North Carolina. The umpire was not injured, but Young was suspended indefinitely the next day by the International League. The International League ( IL) is a Minor league baseball league which operates in the eastern United States. Young ultimately was suspended for 50 games without pay and performed 50 hours of community service. ^[7]

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 Devil 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:

• On June 20, outfielder Joey Gathright and infielder Fernando Cortez were traded to the Kansas City Royals for pitcher J.P. Howell. Events 451 - Battle of Chalons: Flavius Aetius ' defeats Attila the Hun. Joey Renard Gathright (born April 27 1981 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi) is a Center fielder in Major League Baseball for Baseball teams take turns one "out" in the field and one "in" at bat Fernando Cortez (born August 10, 1981 in Stockton California) is a professional baseball player The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. In Baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the Pitcher's mound toward the Catcher to begin each play with the goal of James Phillip Howell (born April 25, 1983, in Modesto California) is a Major League Baseball left-handed Pitcher. ^[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. Events 1358 - Republic of Dubrovnik is founded 1709 - Peter the Great defeats Charles XII of Sweden Mark Allan Hendrickson (born June 23, 1974 in Mount Vernon Washington) is an American professional athlete Toby Jason Hall (born October 21, 1975 in Tacoma Washington) is a major league Catcher for the Chicago White Sox The Los Angeles Dodgers are a Major League Baseball team based in Los Angeles California, USA Jae Weong Seo (born May 24, 1977 in Gwangju, South Korea) usually referred to as simply Jae Seo and pronounced "Jay So" Dioner Favian Navarro (born February 9, 1984 in Caracas Venezuela) is a Major League Baseball Catcher and Switch-hitter Justin Marshall Ruggiano (born April 12, 1982 in Austin Texas) is an American professional baseball player ^[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. Events 1191 - Saladin 's garrison surrenders ending the two-year Siege of Acre. Aubrey Lewis Huff (born December 20, 1976 in Marion Ohio) is a Major League Baseball Designated hitter, Third baseman The Houston Astros are a Professional baseball team based in Houston Texas. Benjamin Thomas Zobrist (born May 26, 1981 in Eureka Illinois) is an American Baseball player and currently plays in Major Mitchell R Talbot (born October 17, 1983 in Cedar City Utah) is a Major League Baseball Starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay ^[11]
• On July 31, shortstop Julio Lugo was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor league prospects Joel Guzman and Sergio Pedroza. Events 30 BC - Battle of Alexandria: Mark Antony achieves a minor victory over Octavian 's forces but most of his army subsequently Julio Cesar Lugo (born November 16, 1975 in Barahona, Dominican Republic) is a major league Shortstop for the The Los Angeles Dodgers are a Major League Baseball team based in Los Angeles California, USA Irvin Joel Vigo Guzmán (born November 24, 1984 in Quisqueya, Dominican Republic) is an Infielder in Major League Baseball ^[12]
• On August 24, utility player Russell Branyan was traded to the San Diego Padres for minor league pitchers Evan Meek and Dale Thayer. Events 49 BC - Julius Caesar 's General Gaius Scribonius Curio is defeated in the Second Battle of the Bagradas River Russell Oles Branyan (born December 19, 1975 in Warner Robins, Georgia) is a Major League Baseball player for the Milwaukee The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego California since their founding in 1969 Evan David Meek (born May 12, 1983 in) is a Relief pitcher in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization of Major League Baseball. ^[13][14]

The Devil 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). Scott Edward Kazmir (born January 24, 1984 in Houston Texas) is a left-handed Starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Ty Allen Wigginton (born October 11, 1977 in San Diego California) is a Third baseman in Major League Baseball for the Houston Jonathan Johnson Gomes (born November 22, 1980 in San Francisco California) is a current Designated hitter and Right fielder in Jorge Luis Cantú (born Jorge Luís Cantú Guzmán on January 30, 1982 in McAllen Texas) is a Major League Baseball Third baseman Another factor was that the Devil 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. The Oakland Athletics are a professional baseball team based in Oakland, California. 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.

The Devil Rays were involved in two unusual triple plays in 2006; one they hit into, the other they executed themselves. In Baseball, a triple play (denoted by TP) is the rare act of making three outs during the same continuous play in baseball 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. Events 1184 BC - Trojan War: Troy is sacked and burned according to the calculations of Eratosthenes. The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. 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. Russell Oles Branyan (born December 19, 1975 in Warner Robins, Georgia) is a Major League Baseball player for the Milwaukee Rocco Daniel Baldelli (born September 25, 1981 in Woonsocket Rhode Island) is a Major League Baseball Outfielder for the Aubrey Lewis Huff (born December 20, 1976 in Marion Ohio) is a Major League Baseball Designated hitter, Third baseman 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. Events 44 BC - Pharaoh Cleopatra VII of Egypt declares her son co-ruler as Ptolemy XV Caesarion. The Seattle Mariners are an American professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington, United States. Seattle's Raúl Ibáñez struck out, Dioner Navarro caught Adrian Beltre trying to steal second base, and then Ben Zobrist threw Jose Lopez out at home plate. Raúl Javier Ibáñez (ɨˈbɑːnjɛz (born June 2 1972 in New York New York) is an Outfielder and DH in Major League Baseball who plays Dioner Favian Navarro (born February 9, 1984 in Caracas Venezuela) is a Major League Baseball Catcher and Switch-hitter Adrián Beltré Pérez (born April 7, 1979 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) is a Major League Baseball Third baseman Benjamin Thomas Zobrist (born May 26, 1981 in Eureka Illinois) is an American Baseball player and currently plays in Major José Celestino López (born November 24 1983 in Anzoátegui State, Venezuela) is a Major League Baseball Second baseman who plays for the ^[15]

On the positive side, the Devil 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]

2006-2007 offseason: Rays sign Iwamura

During the 2006 offseason, the Devil 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. Cory Fulton Lidle ( March 22, 1972 – October 11, 2006) was an American right-handed baseball Pitcher who spend nine seasons Champions Major League Baseball World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves (4-0 Mariano Rivera, MVP Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Caribbean World Series: The 2006 New York City plane crash occurred on October 11 2006 when a Cirrus SR20 General aviation, fixed-wing, single-engine light aircraft Events 1138 - A massive earthquake struck Aleppo, Syria. 1531 - Huldrych Zwingli is killed ^[16] Erik Walker, a 23-year-old pitching prospect for the Hudson Valley Renegades who had recently gone 3-1 with a 0. The Hudson Valley Renegades are a Minor league baseball team affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays. 48 ERA during his first professional season, died in a canoeing accident on the New River in Grayson County, Virginia. The New River, a tributary of the Kanawha River, is approximately 320 mi (515 km long flowing through the states of North Carolina, Virginia, and Grayson County is a county located in the southwestern part of the Commonwealth of Virginia of the United States. ^[17]

On November 15, 2006, the Devil Rays won the rights to negotiate a contract with Japanese infielder Akinori Iwamura. Events 655 - Battle of Winwaed: Penda of Mercia is defeated by Oswiu of Northumbria. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Akinori Iwamura (岩村 明憲 born February 9 1979 in Uwajima Ehime, Japan) is a Major League Baseball Infielder for ^[18] He was signed to a three-year, $7. 7-million contract on December 15, and ultimately made the 2007 Opening Day active roster. Events 533 - Byzantine general Belisarius defeats the Vandals, commanded by King Gelimer, at the Battle of Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Minor League Baseball The Devil Rays paid $4. 55 million USD (around ¥538 million) to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows for the rights to Iwamura. are a professional Baseball team in Japan 's Central League. The Swallows are named after their corporate owners the Yakult Corporation ^[19]

In an effort to court the Orlando, Florida, market, the Devil Rays played a series at The Ballpark (now called Champion Stadium) at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in the 2007 season. Orlando is a major City in central Florida, USA and is the County seat of Orange County Florida. Champion Stadium is a 9500 seat Baseball stadium located at Disney's Wide World of Sports in the Walt Disney World Resort. Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex is a 220 Acre (89 ha) athletic complex located in the Walt Disney World Resort. The series selected was the May 15-17 series versus the Texas Rangers. The Texas Rangers are an American professional baseball team based in Arlington Texas, United States, representing the Dallas-Ft The Devil Rays swept the Rangers in that series. ^[20]

2007: Peña and young stars lead the way

Main article: 2007 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season

The Devil Rays had the youngest starting line-up since the 1983 Minnesota Twins. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays ' 2007 season, the 10th season in franchise history involved the Devil Rays trying to improve on their 2006 season, where The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. James Anthony Shields (born on December 20, 1981 in Newhall, California) is a major league Pitcher for the Tampa Bay Scott Edward Kazmir (born January 24, 1984 in Houston Texas) is a left-handed Starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. 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.

Offensively, the Devil Rays may have had their best year. Tampa Bay was third in the AL in home runs (187) notably behind the New York Yankees. The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the borough of The Bronx, in New York City, New York. 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 . Carlos Felipe Peña (born May 17, 1978 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) is a left-handed First baseman for the 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. Melvin Emanuel "B J" Upton (born August 21 1984 in Norfolk Virginia) is a Major League Baseball Center fielder for Carl Demonte Crawford (born August 5 1981 in) is the starting Left fielder for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. Delmon Damarcus Young, (born September 14 1985 in) is an Outfielder for the Minnesota Twins. Akinori Iwamura (岩村 明憲 born February 9 1979 in Uwajima Ehime, Japan) is a Major League Baseball Infielder for

With their improved offense the Devil 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 Devil 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 February 8 1954, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania) is the current manager of the Tampa Bay Rays in

2007-2008 offseason: New name, uniforms & outlook

Main article: 2008 Tampa Bay Rays season

New uniforms for the 2008 season were officially revealed on November 8, 2007. The Tampa Bay Rays ' 2008 season, the 11th season in franchise history marks the change of the team's name from the "Tampa Bay Devil Rays" to the "Tampa Events 1519 - Hernán Cortés enters Tenochtitlán and Aztec ruler Moctezuma welcomes him with great a Celebration Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ^[21]The unveiling coincided with a name change for the team, as the team was now officially called the "Tampa Bay Rays". The new team colors are "navy, Columbia blue and a touch of gold"^[22]. Navy blue is a dark shade of the Color Blue. Navy blue got its name from the dark blue (contrasted with white worn by officers in the Royal Navy since Columbia blue is a light Blue tertiary Color. The typical Columbia blue is defined by Pantone as Columbia Blue 3 (PANTONE 292 Gold, also called golden, is a Yellowish orange Color which is a representation of the color of the element 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. Stuart L Sternberg (born 1959 in New York City, New York) is a Wall Street investor "^[23] "We Are One Team," the pitch for the 2008 season was announced February 22, 2008. Events 1495 - King Charles VIII of France enters Naples to claim the city's throne 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The phrase, as president Matt Silverman says, refers to the idea of an improved and talented team allied with the fan base across the Tampa Bay area. ^[24]

Roster moves

The Rays front office had promised to increase the team's payroll for the coming season. Whereas it was approximately $24 million in 2007, lowest in the majors ^[25], the "mid-30s" had been rumored as a minimum for 2008. But, after free-agency signings and contract extensions to players already on the roster, it was raised to $43 million ^[22]

While the Rays began the 2008 season with much the same lineup that ended the 2007 season, several key trades and free agent signings improved the team. The Rays traded Delmon Young, Brendan Harris, and Jason Pridie to the Twins for Matt Garza, Jason Bartlett, and Eduardo Morlan. Delmon Damarcus Young, (born September 14 1985 in) is an Outfielder for the Minnesota Twins. Brendan Michael Harris (born August 26, 1980 in Albany New York) is a Major League Baseball Infielder who currently plays for Jason Orville Pridie (born October 9, 1983 in) is a Major League Baseball Outfielder for the Minnesota Twins. The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Matthew Scott Albidrez-Garza (born November 26, 1983 in Selma, California) is a right-handed Starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Jason Alan Bartlett (born October 30, 1979, in Mountain View, California) is a Major League Baseball Shortstop who Eduardo Morlan is a minor league Pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays signed a one-year deal with veteran relief pitcher Troy Percival who has taken over closer duties, moving Al Reyes into a role as a set-up man. Troy Eugene Percival (born August 9, 1969 in) is a Major League Baseball Relief pitcher who plays for the Tampa Bay Rays. Rafael Alberto "Al" Reyes (born April 10, 1970 in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic) is a Free agent Major League Baseball The Rays signed Cliff Floyd, who has split time at designated hitter and right field. Cornelius Clifford Floyd ( December 5, 1972 in Chicago Illinois) is a Designated hitter and Outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays Top third-base prospect Evan Longoria was expected to be the starter at the hot corner while 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. Evan Michael Longoria (born October 7 1985 in Downey, California) is a Major League Baseball Third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays David Taylor Price (born August 26, 1985 in Murfreesboro Tennessee) is an American Left-handed Major League Baseball ^[26]

New ballpark?

Main article: Rays Ballpark

The biggest surprise of the 2007 offseason came on November 9 when the Rays announced that they were in negotiations to potentially build a new $450-million, 34,000 seat, open-air baseball stadium at the site of Progress Energy Park/Al Lang Field, their current spring training facility on the St. Rays Ballpark is the current name used in project documents for a proposed ballpark that the Tampa Bay Rays have proposed building to replace Tropicana Field Events 694 - Egica, a king of the Visigoths of Hispania, accuses Jews of aiding Muslims sentencing all Progress Energy Park (full name Progress Energy Park home of Al Lang Field) is a 7227 seat Baseball Stadium located on the Downtown Petersburg waterfront, to open by 2012. ^[27] Financial plans for the new stadium were revealed on May 15, 2008. ^[28] The deal would see owner Stu Sternberg providing $150 million to the project, 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. Tropicana Field is a Domed stadium in St Petersburg Florida, which has been the home of Major League Baseball 's Tampa Bay Rays since The city of St. Petersburg would also pay roughly $75 million that team officials say the city has already committed to the franchise. Any final plans would have to be approved by voters in St. Petersburg since all new construction on public property must be put to a referendum, regardless of whether or not the project uses taxpayer money. ^{[29] [30]}

2008 season

Main article: 2008 Tampa Bay Rays season

The Rays finished Spring Training with 18 wins, a club record. The Tampa Bay Rays ' 2008 season, the 11th season in franchise history marks the change of the team's name from the "Tampa Bay Devil Rays" to the "Tampa They also finished with the highest winning percentage in the Grapefruit League, and tied for the highest of all teams in spring training with the Oakland Athletics. In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the Regular season. The Oakland Athletics are a professional baseball team based in Oakland, California. They began the regular season with a win on the road in Baltimore. This snapped a 7-game losing streak in road openers for the franchise, which was the longest active streak in the league until then.

As they did during the 2007 season, the Rays played a regular season home series at Champion Stadium in Walt Disney World for the April 22-24 series against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays ' 2007 season, the 10th season in franchise history involved the Devil Rays trying to improve on their 2006 season, where Champion Stadium is a 9500 seat Baseball stadium located at Disney's Wide World of Sports in the Walt Disney World Resort. Walt Disney World Resort is the most visited and largest recreational resort in the world containing four Theme parks two Water parks twenty-three themed hotels The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. ^[31] As in the Orlando series in the previous season, the Rays won all three games.

The Rays suffered through many injuries during April and had hovered just above . 500 until the end of the month. However, the sweep of the Blue Jays was followed by the team's first-ever sweep of the Boston Red Sox in Tropicana Field. The Boston Red Sox ' 2008 season began on March 25, in Tokyo, Japan for the MLB Japan Opening Day 2008. In the series finale, James Shields pitched a complete game 2-hit, no walk shutout and was named AL Player of the Week. James Anthony Shields (born on December 20, 1981 in Newhall, California) is a major league Pitcher for the Tampa Bay In Baseball, a complete game (denoted by CG) is the act of a Pitcher pitching an entire game himself without the benefit of a Relief pitcher In team sports in American English a shutout (a clean sheet in Soccer) refers to a game in which one team prevents the opposing team from scoring The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League ( AL) is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in

The Rays continued their winning ways into May. At the end of play on Memorial Day, the traditional 1/4 point of the baseball season, the Rays were in first place in the AL East and owned the best record in all of major league baseball at 31-20. Memorial Day is a United States Federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (on May in) The Rays became the first team in modern Major League history (since 1900) to hold the best record in the league through Memorial Day, having the worst record in the league the year before. ^[32] This was, by far, the best start in franchise history and marked the first time ever that the team was 11 games over . 500. The Rays finished the month 12 games over . 500, had the best record in the American League, and led the AL East by one game.

The Rays' turnaround has been mostly credited to much improved defense and pitching, especially from the bullpen. ^[33] While the 2007 bullpen and defense were historically bad, stats for 2008 were among the best in the majors. ^[34]

Season records

Tampa Bay Rays - 1998 to 2008
Season	W - L	Win %	Finish	Manager	Playoffs
1998	63-99	. Headline events of the year Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Ken Griffey Jr 389	5th in AL East	Larry Rothschild	-
1999	69-93	. Lawrence Lee Rothschild (born March 12, 1954, in Chicago Illinois) is the Pitching coach of the Chicago Cubs. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves (4-0 Mariano Rivera, MVP 426	5th in AL East	Larry Rothschild	-
2000	69-92	. Lawrence Lee Rothschild (born March 12, 1954, in Chicago Illinois) is the Pitching coach of the Chicago Cubs. Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Caribbean World Series: 429	5th in AL East	Larry Rothschild	-
2001	62-100	. Lawrence Lee Rothschild (born March 12, 1954, in Chicago Illinois) is the Pitching coach of the Chicago Cubs. Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Caribbean World Series: 383	5th in AL East	Larry Rothschild/Hal McRae	-
2002	55-106	. Lawrence Lee Rothschild (born March 12, 1954, in Chicago Illinois) is the Pitching coach of the Chicago Cubs. Harold Abraham McRae (born July 10 1945 in Avon Park Florida) is a former Left fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Caribbean World Series: 342	5th in AL East	Hal McRae	-
2003	63-99	. Harold Abraham McRae (born July 10 1945 in Avon Park Florida) is a former Left fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Headline event of the year The Florida Marlins become World Series champions holding off a dynastic New York Yankees team 4 games to 389	5th in AL East	Lou Piniella	-
2004	70-91	. Louis Victor Piniella (pɨˈnɛlə born August 28, 1943, in Tampa Florida, United States) is the current manager of the Chicago Headline events of the year The Boston Red Sox win their first World Series since, ending the Curse of the Bambino. 435	4th in AL East	Lou Piniella	-
2005	67-95	. Louis Victor Piniella (pɨˈnɛlə born August 28, 1943, in Tampa Florida, United States) is the current manager of the Chicago 2005 Major League Baseball season Headline events of the year Chicago White Sox swept the Houston Astros to win the World Series 414	5th in AL East	Lou Piniella	-
2006	61-101	. Louis Victor Piniella (pɨˈnɛlə born August 28, 1943, in Tampa Florida, United States) is the current manager of the Chicago 2006 Major League Baseball season|2006 Nippon Professional Baseball season Headline Event of the Year The 2006 World Baseball Classic is a surprise success 377	5th in AL East	Joe Maddon	-
2007	66-96	. Joseph John Maddon (born February 8 1954, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania) is the current manager of the Tampa Bay Rays in Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Minor League Baseball 407	5th in AL East	Joe Maddon	-
2008 •	38-28	. Joseph John Maddon (born February 8 1954, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania) is the current manager of the Tampa Bay Rays in Calendar Major League Baseball See also 2008 Major League Baseball season Postseason October 1 – ALDS and 576	TBD	Joe Maddon	-
Totals (1998-2008)	683-1000	. Joseph John Maddon (born February 8 1954, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania) is the current manager of the Tampa Bay Rays in 406	-	-	-
Playoffs	N/A	-	-	-	-
Playoff Series	N/A	-	-	-	-

• Through games played on June 11, 2008

Rivals

Tampa Bay's primary rivals are the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. Events 1184 BC - Trojan War: Troy is sacked and burned according to the calculations of Eratosthenes. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The Boston Red Sox are a Professional baseball team based in Boston Massachusetts, and are the reigning (2007 World Series Champions. The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the borough of The Bronx, in New York City, New York. The rivalries from these teams stem from the number of fans in the Tampa Bay area who are transplants from these two locations and continue to root for these teams, as well as the Yankees making Tampa their Spring Training home. In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the Regular season. Red Sox and Yankee games often draw considerably higher attendance figures to games at Tropicana Field versus the average for other games, the result being a fan bias for these teams on the road. The Florida Marlins are also a rival due to their in-state proximity, though this rivalry is only really visited upon in the Interleague period each season. The Florida Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami Gardens Florida.

Quick facts

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 (198 cm) seadog named "Raymond"

Playoff appearances (0): none

Owner: Stuart Sternberg, et al. The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League ( AL) is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in Tropicana Field is a Domed stadium in St Petersburg Florida, which has been the home of Major League Baseball 's Tampa Bay Rays since A centimetre ( American spelling: centimeter, symbol cm) is a unit of Length in the Metric system, equal to one hundredth This is a list of current and former Major League Baseball Mascots sorted alphabetically Stuart L Sternberg (born 1959 in New York City, New York) is a Wall Street investor

President: Matthew Silverman

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

Manager: Joe Maddon

Local Television: FSN Florida, WXPX iON

Spring Training Facility: Progress Energy Park, St. Petersburg, FL (until 2009)

Retired numbers

The Tampa Bay Rays have retired two numbers. Matthew Silverman (born in Dallas Texas) is a former investment banker who is currently the President of the Tampa Bay Rays. Andrew Friedman (born in Houston Texas, United States is the Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations for the Tampa Bay Rays franchise in Major League Joseph John Maddon (born February 8 1954, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania) is the current manager of the Tampa Bay Rays in FSN Florida, formerly Fox Sports Net Florida and SportsChannel Florida, is a Television channel that shows local sports coverage in the state of Florida WXPX is a television station licensed to Bradenton Florida. Operating on channel 66 it is an ION Television affiliate owned and operated by ION Media Networks Ion Television is a broadcast television network first broadcast on August 31 1998 Progress Energy Park (full name Progress Energy Park home of Al Lang Field) is a 7227 seat Baseball Stadium located on the Downtown St Petersburg (often shortened to St Pete) is a city in Pinellas County Florida, United States. These numbers are displayed to the left of the center field scoreboard and "K Counter" on a small wall.

Wade Boggs 3B: 1998-99 Retired 2001

Jackie Robinson Retired by MLB Retired 1997

Jackie Robinson's number 42 was retired by all of Major League Baseball. 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 was a Baseball player for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Current roster

Tampa Bay Rays roster view • talk • edit
Active (25-man) roster				Inactive (40-man) roster		Coaches/Other
Starting rotation 22 Matt Garza 36 Edwin Jackson 19 Scott Kazmir 33 James Shields 21 Andy Sonnanstine Bullpen 50 Grant Balfour 47 Gary Glover 49 Jason Hammel 39 J. P. Howell 57 Trever Miller 40 Troy Percival (CL) 35 Dan Wheeler		Catchers 30 Dioner Navarro  9 Shawn Riggans Infielders 16 Willy Aybar  8 Jason Bartlett  1 Akinori Iwamura  3 Evan Longoria Outfielders 13 Carl Crawford 15 Cliff Floyd 26 Gabe Gross 32 Eric Hinske 10 Justin Ruggiano  2 B. J. Upton Designated hitters 31 Jonny Gomes		Pitchers 24 Kurt Birkins 45 James Houser 34 Jeff Niemann 14 David Price 28 Al Reyes † 11 Jae Kuk Ryu 51 Mitch Talbot Catchers 65 John Jaso Infielders 29 Joel Guzmán 43 Elliot Johnson 23 Carlos Peña † 18 Ben Zobrist Outfielders 38 Fernando Perez		Manager 70 Joe Maddon Coaches 72 Tim Bogar (assistant major league coach)  6 Tom Foley (third base) 55 Steve Henderson (hitting) 25 George Hendrick (first base) 48 Jim Hickey (pitching)  4 Dave Martinez (bench)  7 Bobby Ramos (bullpen) 60 Don Zimmer (senior advisor) 60-day disabled list  5 Rocco Baldelli 54 Chad Orvella Restricted list 53 Juan Salas † 15-day disabled list * Suspended list # Bereavement list Roster updated 2008-06-04 Transactions • Depth Chart

Environmental record

The Tampa Bay Rays continue to become more and more environmentally aware. Matthew Scott Albidrez-Garza (born November 26, 1983 in Selma, California) is a right-handed Starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Edwin Jackson (born September 9, 1983 in Neu-Ulm, Bavaria, West Germany) is a Major League Baseball Pitcher Scott Edward Kazmir (born January 24, 1984 in Houston Texas) is a left-handed Starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. James Anthony Shields (born on December 20, 1981 in Newhall, California) is a major league Pitcher for the Tampa Bay Andy Sonnanstine (born March 18, 1983 in Barberton, Ohio) is a Starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Grant Robert Balfour (born December 30 1977 in Sydney Australia) is a middle Reliever for the Tampa Bay Rays. John Gary Glover (born December 3, 1976 in Cleveland, Ohio) is a Major League Baseball Pitcher for the Detroit Tigers Jason Aaron Hammel (born September 2, 1982 in Greenville, South Carolina) is a Major League Baseball Pitcher who plays James Phillip Howell (born April 25, 1983, in Modesto California) is a Major League Baseball left-handed Pitcher. Trever Douglas Miller (born May 29, 1973 Louisville Kentucky) is a Relief pitcher who pitches for the Tampa Bay Rays. Troy Eugene Percival (born August 9, 1969 in) is a Major League Baseball Relief pitcher who plays for the Tampa Bay Rays. Daniel Michael Wheeler (born December 10, 1977 in Providence Rhode Island) is a Major League Baseball Pitcher currently playing for Dioner Favian Navarro (born February 9, 1984 in Caracas Venezuela) is a Major League Baseball Catcher and Switch-hitter Shawn Willis Riggans (born July 25, 1980 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida) is a Major League Baseball Catcher for the Tampa Willy Del Jesus Aybar (born March 9, 1983 in Baní, Dominican Republic) is an Infielder in Major League Baseball Jason Alan Bartlett (born October 30, 1979, in Mountain View, California) is a Major League Baseball Shortstop who Akinori Iwamura (岩村 明憲 born February 9 1979 in Uwajima Ehime, Japan) is a Major League Baseball Infielder for Evan Michael Longoria (born October 7 1985 in Downey, California) is a Major League Baseball Third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays Carl Demonte Crawford (born August 5 1981 in) is the starting Left fielder for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. Cornelius Clifford Floyd ( December 5, 1972 in Chicago Illinois) is a Designated hitter and Outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays Gabriel Jordan "Gabe" Gross (born October 21, 1979 in Baltimore, Maryland) is a Major League Baseball Outfielder Eric Scott Hinske (born August 5, 1977, in Menasha Wisconsin) is a Major League Baseball player for the Tampa Bay Rays. Justin Marshall Ruggiano (born April 12, 1982 in Austin Texas) is an American professional baseball player Melvin Emanuel "B J" Upton (born August 21 1984 in Norfolk Virginia) is a Major League Baseball Center fielder for Jonathan Johnson Gomes (born November 22, 1980 in San Francisco California) is a current Designated hitter and Right fielder in Kurt Daniel Birkins (born August 11, 1980 in West Hills California) is a Relief pitcher who is currently a Free agent. James Houser is a Minor League Baseball player in the Tampa Bay Rays organization Jeffrey Warren Niemann (born February 28, 1983 in Houston, Texas) is a Major League Baseball Starting pitcher for David Taylor Price (born August 26, 1985 in Murfreesboro Tennessee) is an American Left-handed Major League Baseball Rafael Alberto "Al" Reyes (born April 10, 1970 in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic) is a Free agent Major League Baseball Jae Kuk Ryu ( (born May 30, 1983 in Choong Chung Do, South Korea) is a Pitcher in Major League Baseball who plays for Mitchell R Talbot (born October 17, 1983 in Cedar City Utah) is a Major League Baseball Starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay John Edward Jaso (born September 19, 1983 in Chula Vista California) is a Major League Baseball Catcher for the Tampa Bay Irvin Joel Vigo Guzmán (born November 24, 1984 in Quisqueya, Dominican Republic) is an Infielder in Major League Baseball Elliot Tyler Johnson (born March 9, 1984, in) is a Major League Baseball Second baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Carlos Felipe Peña (born May 17, 1978 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) is a left-handed First baseman for the Benjamin Thomas Zobrist (born May 26, 1981 in Eureka Illinois) is an American Baseball player and currently plays in Major Fernando Perez (born April 28, 1983 in Elizabeth New Jersey) is an Outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays. Joseph John Maddon (born February 8 1954, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania) is the current manager of the Tampa Bay Rays in Timothy Paul Bogar (born October 28, 1966 in Indianapolis Indiana) is a retired Major League Baseball Infielder. Thomas Michael Foley (born September 9, 1959 in Columbus, Georgia) is currently the Third base coach for the Tampa Bay Rays Steven Curtis Henderson (born November 18, in) is a former Left fielder in Major League Baseball. George Andrew Hendrick Jr (born October 18 1949 in Los Angeles California) is a former Outfielder for six major league teams most David Martinez (born September 26 1964 in New York City) is a former Outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for several teams Roberto "Bobby" Ramos (born November 5, 1955 in Havana, Cuba) is currently the Bullpen coach for the Tampa Bay Rays Donald William Zimmer (born January 17, 1931 in Cincinnati Ohio) is a former Infielder, manager, and a coach in Major League Rocco Daniel Baldelli (born September 25, 1981 in Woonsocket Rhode Island) is a Major League Baseball Outfielder for the Chad Robert Orvella (born October 1, 1980 in Renton Washington) is a Relief pitcher for the Major League Baseball Tampa Juan Salas (born November 17, 1978 in Santo Domingo Dominican Republic) is a professional Baseball Relief pitcher for the 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 781 BC - The first historic Solar eclipse is recorded in China. For the 2008 season, the team changed their colors to a Columbia blue; although this is minor, the team continues to go "green". "Teaming Up for the Environment," is the Rays' new program which initiates more environmental actions. The Rays have purchased 646 green tags which are credits for renewable energy supplied by the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. These tags are presumed to offset some of the carbon dioxide emissions produced from traveling fans and all energy used at their home ball park, Tropicana Field. ^[35] The "green" home games consist of five home games and the home-opener against the Seattle Mariners played on April 8, 2008. ^[36] In addition, the Rays plan to get an LEED Certification for their proposed new stadium. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ( LEED) Green Building Rating System developed by the U ^[37]

Franchise leaders

See Tampa Bay Rays team records

Radio and television

As of 2007, the Rays' flagship radio station is WHNZ 1250 AM. Single season team records Team single-season records established in the current season are in italics and subject to change Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. WHNZ 1250-AM known as "Impact Radio" is an AM news/talk Radio station in Tampa Florida. The announcers are Dave Wills and Andy Freed. Dave Wills is an American radio Sportscaster and currently serves as the play-by-play announcer for the Tampa Bay Rays, which is a position he has held since Andy Freed is currently one of the radio play-by-play announcers of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team Rich Herrera is the pregame and postgame host, and the radio producer. This team replaced Paul Olden and Charlie Slowes as of the 2005 season. Charlie Slowes is a longtime American Sportscaster who is currently the radio play-by-play announcer for the Washington Nationals. 2005 Major League Baseball season Headline events of the year Chicago White Sox swept the Houston Astros to win the World Series Slowes went to the Washington Nationals, while Olden pursued a photography career. The Washington Nationals is an American professional baseball team based in Washington D From 1998 through 2004, Rays games were on WFLA 970 AM.

The main television broadcaster is FSN Florida, although several games also air on ION Television affiliate broadcast stations throughout the state of Florida, with WXPX in Tampa as the flagship. FSN Florida, formerly Fox Sports Net Florida and SportsChannel Florida, is a Television channel that shows local sports coverage in the state of Florida Ion Television is a broadcast television network first broadcast on August 31 1998 WXPX is a television station licensed to Bradenton Florida. Operating on channel 66 it is an ION Television affiliate owned and operated by ION Media Networks Previously, Rays games aired on local affiliates such as WMOR and WTSP in Tampa, WRDQ in Orlando, and WFXU in Tallahassee. WTSP, channel 10 is a CBS -affiliate Television station on the west coast of Florida ( Tampa &ndash St WRDQ, channel 27 is an independent affiliated Television station in Orlando Florida. WFXU and WTLF are The CW television affiliate stations serving the Tallahassee Florida television market Dewayne Staats (play-by-play) and Joe Magrane (color commentary) have been the TV team since the Rays' inception. Dewayne Staats (born ca 1952 is the Play-by-play commentator for the Tampa Bay 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 Joseph David Magrane (born July 2, 1964 in Des Moines, Iowa) was a Major League Baseball Pitcher and is currently A color commentator, sometimes known as a color analyst, is a member of the Broadcasting team for a sporting event who assists the Play-by-play 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. Harold Norbert Kalas (born March 26, 1936) is a Hall of Fame American Sportscaster, best known for his roles as lead Play-by-play 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. Dick Crippen is a popular former sports anchor in the Tampa Bay, Florida television market Whit Watson (born 1971) is a Sportscaster for Sun Sports, the Florida-based regional cable network owned and operated by Fox Television.

FSN produces all local game telecasts, regardless of which outlet they are shown on. In 2007, about 1/4 of the schedule was aired in HD. High-definition television (HDTV is a Digital television Broadcasting system with higher resolution than traditional television systems (standard-definition At least 58 games will be aired locally in HD in 2008. In total, 144 games will be aired on local broadcasts in 2008: 66 on ION, 82 on FSN Florida, and two exclusively on Sun Sports during the interleague series with the Florida Marlins. The Florida Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami Gardens Florida.

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. Bright House Networks is a Cable television company and the sixth largest MSO in the United States owned by Advance/Newhouse, headquartered in Orlando is a major City in central Florida, USA and is the County seat of Orange County Florida. Only games carried by WOPX are shown on Bright House in Orlando, but they do not carry the channel in HD. WOPX channel 56 is a Television station based in Orlando Florida, USA. Comcast in Orlando does have both WOPX and FSN Florida, but carries neither channel in HD. Comcast Corporation ( is the largest Cable television company the second largest Internet service provider and (according to the company the fourth largest telephone DirecTV and Dish Network also carry FSN Florida, and DirecTV carries FSN Florida's HD games. DirecTV (trademarked as "DIREC' TV' " is a Direct broadcast satellite (DBS service based in El Segundo California, USA, that was founded Not be confused with Indian Service Dish TV DISH Network is a Direct broadcast satellite (DBS service that provides Satellite television

Rays fandom

Although attendance has lagged in recent years, the Rays are not without some spirited fans.

The Happy Heckler

"The Happy Heckler" is a fan by the name of Robert Szasz, a Clearwater real estate developer. Robert Szasz, also known as The Happy Heckler, is a Real estate developer and a well-known Heckler at Tampa Bay Rays Baseball games He has season tickets near home plate, and is known for his rather boisterous heckling. He is so loud that he is clearly audible on both TV and radio broadcasts. He is also known as an "ethical" heckler, heckling opposing players only based on their play and never throwing personal insults. Despite this, he has drawn the ire of some opposing players. He is especially known for heckling Bret Boone so viciously once that Boone confronted him after a strikeout. Bret Robert Boone (born April 6 1969 in El Cajon, California) is a former Major League Baseball Second baseman. ^[38]

More Cowbell

The Rays Cowbell, a fan item similar to the Terrible Towel, was originally a promotional idea thought up by principal owner Stuart Sternberg, who got the idea from the Saturday Night Live skit. The Terrible Towel is a gimmick created for the encouragement of the Pittsburgh Steelers, an American football team in the National Football League (NFL Stuart L Sternberg (born 1959 in New York City, New York) is a Wall Street investor Saturday Night Live ( SNL) is a weekly late-night 90-minute American Sketch comedy / Variety show based in New York City " More cowbell " is an American pop culture Catchphrase originally derived from an April 8, 2000, Saturday Night Live Since then, it has become a standard feature of home games. Road teams have often considered the cowbell a nuisance. ^[39] Once a year the Rays hold an annual "cowbell night" and give away free cowbells. Cowbells are available for purchase throughout the year as well. The most famous proponent of the cowbell is Cary Strukel, who is known as "The Cowbell Kid. " Strukel can be seen at most home games sitting in right field and wearing some kind of costume, typically topped with a neon green wig. ^[40] The cowbells are rung most prominently when the opposing batter has two strikes, when the opposing fans try to chant, and when the Rays make a good play.

Professional wrestlers

Rays games are frequently visited by professional wrestlers, as there are a large number of wrestlers living in the Tampa Bay Area. Professional wrestling, or pro wrestling, is a non-competitive professional Sport, where all matches are scripted by the promotion's booking staff The Tampa Bay Area, or Tampa Bay, after the body of water it surrounds is the second most populated metropolitan region in the state of Florida, the The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags), Brutus Beefcake and Hulk Hogan all appear on a semi-regular basis at Rays games. The Nasty Boys were a Professional wrestling Tag team consisting of Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags, active in the mid to late 1980s and throughout Brian Yandrisovitz The Nastys have not returned to a WWE ring since Jerome Saganovich *PWI ranked him # 420 of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the "PWI Years" in 2003 *PWI ranked him # 53 of the Edward Harrison Leslie (born April 21 1957) is an American professional wrestler, best known for his work in the World Wrestling Federation Terrance "Terry" Gene Bollea (born August 11 1953 better known by his Ring name Hulk Hogan, is an American Actor, and retired professional

The Rays held a "Legends of Wrestling Night" on 2007-05-18, featuring several wrestling matches after the game, an 8-4 loss to the Florida Marlins. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1152 - Henry II of England marries Eleanor of Aquitaine. The Florida Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami Gardens Florida. Outfielder and wrestling fan Jonny Gomes ran interference for the Nasty Boys during the main event. Jonathan Johnson Gomes (born November 22, 1980 in San Francisco California) is a current Designated hitter and Right fielder in ^[41]

A second "Wrestling Night" was held on 2008-04-19, after a 5-0 win over the Chicago White Sox. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1012 - Martyrdom of Alphege in Greenwich London. 1529 - At the Second Diet of Speyer The Chicago White Sox are a professional Baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois. Gomes participated again, this time making a post-match save for the Nasty Boys. ^[42]

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

Notable former players

• Roberto Alomar - 2B
• Danys Baez - P
• Wade Boggs - 3B
• José Canseco - OF/DH
• Vinny Castilla - 3B
• Elijah Dukes - OF
• Dwight Gooden - P
• Ben Grieve - OF
• Juan Guzman - P
• Aubrey Huff - 3B/OF
• Joe Kennedy - P
• Cory Lidle - P
• Fred McGriff - 1B
• Jim Morris - P
• Hideo Nomo - P
• Rey Ordonez - SS
• Victor Zambrano - P
• Greg Vaughn - OF
• Gerald Williams - OF
• Delmon Young - OF

See also

• All-Time roster
• Statistical records and milestone achievements

References

External links

• Tampa Bay Rays Official Website
• Tampa Bay Rays: St. Petersburg Times
• Tampa Bay Rays: Tampa Tribune
• Sports E-Cyclopedia
• An Open Letter to Stuart Sternberg from BaseLine Report: Why There is Hope for the Rays
• DRaysBay A blog covering the Tampa Bay Rays

The St Petersburg Times is a daily Newspaper based in St Petersburg Florida, that serves the larger Tampa Bay area The Tampa Tribune published in Tampa Florida is one of two major Newspapers published in the Tampa Bay area second in circulation and readership

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