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?
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.
History of the Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays, previously known as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, have a long and storied history in Major League Baseball. Established in 1998, they are among the youngest teams to join the MLB. Despite their youth, they have quickly made a name for themselves as perennial contenders with several playoff appearances and even an American League Pennant win in 2008.
Throughout their existence, the Rays, formerly known as the Devil Rays, have been known for having some of baseball’s best players, including Evan Longoria, David Price, Ben Zobrist, and Carlos Pena, who all contributed to that magical run to the World Series in 2008. The team also had many memorable moments, such as B J Upton's walk-off home run against the Boston Red Sox or when James Shields threw his first no-hitter against the Seattle Mariners in 2011; these highlights will be remembered by fans everywhere!
Today's Tampa Bay Rays is still among one of baseball’s most competitive franchises thanks primarily to its deep farm system, which produces top talent year after year while also making savvy trades like acquiring Matt Duffy from the San Francisco Giants at this past trade deadline; moves that ensure that this team remains competitive both now and into future seasons! With so much success already achieved, seeing what else this young franchise, formerly known as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, can do in the future will be exciting!
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
12 / Wade Boggs
42 / Jackie Robinson
66 / Don Zimmer
*Blue is this team’s history