Tampa Bay Rays

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Tampa Bay Rays
2024 Tampa Bay Rays season
Established in 1998
based in St. Petersburg, Florida
Major league affiliations


Retired numbers12, 66, 42
Colors
  • Navy Blue, Columbia Blue, White, Gold        
Name
  • Tampa Bay Rays (2008–present)
Tampa Bay Devil Rays (1998-2007)
Other nicknames
  • The Rays
Ballpark
Major league titles
AL Pennants (1)20082020
Division titles (1)2008
Wild card berths (0)none
Front office
Owner(s)Stuart Sternberg
ManagerKevin Cash
General ManagerErik Neander

The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team that plays in St. Petersburg, Florida. They play in the American League East division. From 1998 until November 2007, They were known as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. In 2008, the team changed their name to the "Rays". Their home stadium is Tropicana Field located in St, Petersburg.

History[change | change source]

Joe Madden, manager of the Rays from 2006 to 2014

The Rays played their first game on March 31, 1998 against the Detroit Tigers (as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays), which they lost 11-6.[1] They were one of the least successful teams in the Major Leagues until 2008, when they finished in first place in the American League East and had one of the best records in baseball. They made it to the World Series but were beaten by Philadelphia in five games. Evan Longoria brought the team's first AL Rookie of the Year award to the team on November 10, 2008. The Rays returned to the World Series in 2020 but lost again, this time to the Los Angeles Dodgers in six games.

On November 8, 2007, the team changed its name to Tampa Bay Rays. The "Devil Ray" mascot was a type of stingray. While this is still a mascot of theirs, the new "Rays" name is said to represent the sunshine in Florida.

Rivalries[change | change source]

The Rays have rivalries with two teams. The Boston Red Sox is one due to the 2008 American League Championship Series, the other is the Florida Marlins due their in-state location.[source?] When the Rays and Marlins meet during inter-league play (when the American League (Rays) and National League (Marlins) play each other) it is known as the "Citrus Series".[source?]

Season records[change | change source]

Year Wins Losses
1998 63 99
1999 69 93
2000 69 92
2001 62 100
2002 55 106
2003 63 99
2004 70 91
2005 67 95
2006 61 101
2007 66 96
2008 97 65
Total 742 1,037

References[change | change source]

  1. "Detroit Tigers vs Tampa Bay Devil Rays March 31, 1998 Box Score". Baseball-almanac.com. Retrieved 2008-11-12.

Other websites[change | change source]