Established
1998
City
Tampa Bay
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1998 – 1999 / American League
Team History
2008 – Present / Tampa Bay Rays
1998 – 2007 / Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Nickname
Rays – The Tampa Bay Rays are a professional baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The team was established in 1998 and has become one of the most popular teams in Major League Baseball (MLB). But what is the origin of their nickname?
Tampa Bay Rays Origin
When the franchise first began playing as an expansion team, they were known as the Devil Rays. This name was chosen to honor Florida’s marine life and its unique location on Tampa Bay, with “Devil” referencing nearby Manta rays that inhabit waters around Tampa Bay. The logo featured two manta rays swimming together beneath a stylized sunburst; this design remains part of their current branding today, despite changing their name to “Rays” before the 2008 season opener against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field.
The decision for such a drastic change came from ownership, who felt it would be beneficial for marketing purposes if they shortened their moniker from something more intimidating like "Devils" into something shorter and sweeter—henceforth going by simply "Tampa Bay Rays." It also helps that no religious connotations are associated with this new title, either! Fans have responded positively overall, which speaks volumes about how well-received these changes have been since taking effect over a decade ago!
Championship
World Series 0
Stadium
2025 - Present / George M. Steinbrenner Field
1998 – 2024 / Tropicana Field
Owner
2005 – Present / Stuart Sternberg
1998 – 2005 / Vince Naimoli
- 2008
- 2010
- 2021
- 2017
- 2020
-
Shorten Name to “Rays”
Prior to the 2008 season, the team unveiled new uniforms along with a name change. After considering other options such as the “Aces,” “Bandits,” “Cannons,” “Dukes,” “Stripes,” and Stuart Sternberg’s personal favorite, the “Nine,” the team’s new name was officially announced to be the “Tampa Bay Rays.” The new team colors were “navy, Columbia blue and a touch of gold” ... -
Tampa Bay Rays won their second AL East title
In 2010: The Rays won their second AL East title with a 96-66 record and faced the Texas Rangers in the AL Division Series. They lost the series in five games after winning the first two games at home. -
Tampa Bay Rays won 100 games for the first time in franchise history
In 2021: The Rays won 100 games for the first time in franchise history and finished first in the AL East again. They faced their division rivals Red Sox in the AL Division Series. After winning Game 1 at home, they lost three straight games by one run each and were eliminated from the postseason. Randy Arozarena set a new ... -
Evan Longoria – Tampa Bay Rays Pro Player
Evan Longoria: He is the most recognizable name in Tampa Bay Rays history and the franchise’s all-time leader in almost every offensive category. He played for the Rays from 2008 to 2017 and won the 2008 AL Rookie of the Year, three Gold Gloves, and one Silver Slugger. He also led the Rays to their first and only World Series ... -
Rays won their third AL East title
In 2020: The Rays won their third AL East title with a 40-20 record in a shortened season due to COVID-19 pandemic. They advanced to their second World Series by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays, Yankees, and Astros in consecutive series. However, they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in six games after a controversial decision by Cash to pull ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Tampa Bay Rays History
The Tampa Bay Rays history began in 1998 when the franchise entered Major League Baseball as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. As one of MLB’s youngest teams, the Rays had to work hard to establish themselves. Despite early struggles, they quickly developed into serious contenders. Their breakthrough came in 2008 when they won the American League pennant and reached the World Series.
From the start, the Rays featured several star players who helped shape the franchise. Evan Longoria, David Price, Ben Zobrist, and Carlos Peña were central figures in that 2008 World Series run. Memorable moments also define the Tampa Bay Rays history. Fans remember B.J. Upton’s walk-off home run against the Boston Red Sox and James Shields throwing a no-hitter against the Seattle Mariners in 2010. These highlights remain treasured by supporters of Tampa Bay Rays baseball.
Today, the Rays continue to stand out as one of the most competitive teams in Major League Baseball. Their success comes from a strong farm system that consistently develops new talent. In addition, smart trades—such as acquiring Matt Duffy from the San Francisco Giants—have kept the team competitive. This balanced approach ensures that Tampa Bay Rays baseball stays relevant now and well into the future.
Rays Achievements
The achievements of the Tampa Bay Rays history are impressive considering the team’s short time in the league. They have secured multiple playoff appearances, two American League pennants (2008 and 2020), and several division titles. Their 2020 run to the World Series once again showcased the Rays’ ability to succeed against larger-market teams.
Beyond their on-field accomplishments, the Rays have also been recognized for innovation. Known for using advanced analytics, creative pitching strategies, and defensive shifts, they changed how modern baseball is played. This forward-thinking approach makes the Tampa Bay Rays history not just about wins but also about influencing the future of Major League Baseball.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
12 / Wade Boggs
42 / Jackie Robinson
66 / Don Zimmer
*Blue is this team’s history