- 2008
-
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” ...
History of the Rays
The Tampa Bay 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 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 back in 2008. The team also had many memorable moments, such as B J Upton's walk-off home run against Boston Red Sox or when James Shields threw his first no-hitter against Seattle Mariners in 2011; these highlights will forever be remembered by fans everywhere!
Today's Tampa Bay Rays is still among one of baseball’s most competitive franchises thanks primarily due its deep farm system, which produces top talent year after year while also making savvy trades like acquiring Matt Duffy from 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 can do in the future will be exciting!
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 – On November 8, 2007, the club announced that they were dropping the “Devil” part in order to identify themselves primarily with the rays of the sun, Florida being the Sunshine State.
Championship
World Series 0
Stadium
1998 – Present / Tropicana Field
Owner
2005 – Present / Stuart Sternberg
1998 – 2005 / Vince Naimoli
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.
Retired Number
12 / Wade Boggs
42 / Jackie Robinson
66 / Don Zimmer
*Blue is this team’s history
