Tampa Bay Rays - wikipedia Tampa Bay Rays Tampa Bay Rays 2017 Tampa Bay Rays season Established in 1998 Team logo Cap insignia Major league affiliations American League ( 1998 -- present ) East Division ( 1998 -- present ) Current uniform Retired numbers 12 66 42 Colors Navy blue, light blue, yellow, white Name Tampa Bay Rays ( 2008 -- present ) Tampa Bay Devil Rays ( 1998 -- 2007 ) Ballpark Tropicana Field ( 1998 -- present ) Major league titles World Series titles ( 0 ) None AL Pennants ( 1 ) 2008 East Division titles ( 2 ) 2008 Wild card berths ( 2 ) 2011 2013 Front office Owner ( s ) Stuart Sternberg Manager Kevin Cash General Manager Erik Neander President of Baseball Operations Matthew Silverman The Tampa Bay Rays are an American professional baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays compete in Major League Baseball ( MLB ) as a member of the American League ( AL ) East division. Since its inception, the team 's home venue has been Tropicana Field. Following nearly three decades of unsuccessfully trying to gain an expansion franchise or enticing existing teams to relocate to the Tampa Bay Area, an ownership group led by Vince Naimoli was approved on March 9, 1995. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays began play in the 1998 Major League Baseball season. Their first decade of play, however, was marked by futility ; they finished in last place in the AL East in all but the 2004 season, when they finished second - to - last. Following the 2007 season, Stuart Sternberg, who had purchased controlling interest in the team from Vince Naimoli two years earlier, changed the team 's name from `` Devil Rays '' to `` Rays '', now meant to primarily refer to a burst of sunshine rather than a manta ray, though a manta ray logo remains on the uniform sleeves. The 2008 season saw the Tampa Bay Rays post their first winning season, their first AL East championship, and their first pennant ( defeating the rival Boston Red Sox in the ALCS ), though they lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in that year 's World Series. Since then, the Rays have played in the postseason in 2010, 2011, and 2013. The Tampa Bay Rays ' chief rivals are the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. Regarding the former, there have been several notable on - field incidents. The Rays also have an intrastate interleague rivalry with the National League ( NL ) 's Miami Marlins ( originally the Florida Marlins ), whom they play in the Citrus Series. Contents 1 History 1.1 Professional baseball in Tampa Bay 2 Season results 3 Rivals 3.1 AL East 3.2 Citrus Series 4 Ballparks 4.1 Tropicana Field 4.2 New ballpark 5 Uniforms 5.1 Current uniforms 5.2 Past uniforms 5.3 `` Turn Back the Clock '' Nights 6 Team media 6.1 Radio 6.2 Television 6.3 Awards 6.4 Promotions 6.5 The Rookie 7 Rays fandom 7.1 More Cowbell 7.2 DJ Kitty 7.3 Professional wrestlers 7.4 Mohawks 8 Team slogans 8.1 2008 8.2 2009 8.3 2010 9 Current roster 10 Minor league affiliations 11 Awards, league leaders, and individual records 11.1 Baseball Hall of Famers 11.2 Florida Sports Hall of Fame 11.3 Retired numbers 11.4 Selected individual franchise single - season records 12 Team salaries 13 Footnotes 14 See also 15 References 16 External links History Main article : History of the Tampa Bay Rays Lou Piniella served as manager of the Devil Rays from 2003 -- 2005. Professional Baseball in Tampa Bay See also : Baseball in the Tampa Bay area The name `` Tampa Bay '' is often used to describe a geographic metropolitan area which encompasses the cities around the body of water known as Tampa Bay, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Bradenton. Unlike in the case of Green Bay, Wisconsin, there is no municipality known as `` Tampa Bay ''. The `` Tampa Bay '' in the names of local professional sports franchises ( Rays, Rowdies, Buccaneers, Lightning, etc. ) denotes that they represent the entire region, not just Tampa or St. Petersburg. Former civic leader and St. Petersburg Times ( now Tampa Bay Times ) publisher, Jack Lake, first suggested St. Petersburg pursue a Major League baseball team in the 1960s. 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. He spoke to anyone who would listen about his desire to see the city of St. Petersburg have a Major league baseball team. His colorful direction dominated the mindset in both sports and business circles dating back to 1966. He was said to have the foresight and prominence to make it happen. Local leaders made many unsuccessful attempts to acquire a major league baseball team in the 1980s and 1990s. The Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers, and Seattle Mariners all considered moving to either Tampa or St. Petersburg before deciding to remain in their current locations. The Florida Suncoast Dome ( now named Tropicana Field ) was built in St. Petersburg in 1990 with the purpose of luring a major league team. That same year two separate groups, one in Tampa and another in Sarasota, were seeking to get an expansion team. The Tampa one even registered the name `` Florida Panthers '', after a local feline - a trademark which ended up being purchased by entrepreneur Wayne Huizenga one year later, and used by him to baptize an NHL ice hockey team. When Major League Baseball 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 the Dome. However, in addition to the application from St. Petersburg, a competing group applied to field a team in Tampa, prompting much conflict over the bid. The two National League teams were awarded to Denver ( Colorado Rockies ) and Miami ( Florida Marlins ) instead. 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. 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. Finally, on March 9, 1995, new expansion franchises were awarded to Naimoli 's Tampa Bay group and a group from Phoenix ( the Arizona Diamondbacks ). 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. After the birth of the Rays, the naming rights were sold to Tropicana Products and $70 million was spent on renovations. Season results Main article : List of Tampa Bay Rays seasons The records of the Rays ' last five seasons in Major League Baseball. American League champions Division champions Wild card berth MLB season Team season League Division Regular season Post-season Awards Finish Wins Losses Win % GB 2013 2013 AL East 2nd 92 71. 564 51⁄2 Won Wild Card Game ( Indians ) Lost ALDS ( Red Sox ) 3 -- 1 Wil Myers ( ROY ) 2014 2014 AL East 4th 77 85. 475 19 2015 2015 AL East 4th 80 82. 494 13 2016 2016 AL East 5th 68 94. 420 25 2017 MLB AL East 3rd 80 82. 494 13 These statistics are current through the 2017 Major League Baseball season. Bold denotes a playoff season, pennant or championship ; italics denotes the active season. Rivals AL East Tampa Bay 's primary rivals are the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. The Red Sox / Rays rivalry dates back to the 2000 season, when Devil Ray Gerald Williams took exception to being hit by a pitch thrown by Boston pitcher Pedro Martínez and charged the mound, resulting in a game full of retaliations and ejections on both sides. There have been several other incidents between the teams during the ensuing years, including one in 2005 which resulted in two bench - clearing fights during the game and a war of words between then - Devil Rays manager Lou Piniella and then - Boston pitcher Curt Schilling through the media in the following days. The rivalry reached its highest level to date during the 2008 season, which included a brawl during a June meeting in Fenway Park and a 7 - game American League Championship Series between the teams that ended in the Rays ' first ever pennant win. As a fellow member of the AL East division, the Yankees and Rays play many times each season. There has always been some feeling of a rivalry between the teams because the Yankees make Tampa their spring training home and fan loyalty in the Tampa Bay area has historically been divided, especially among transplants from the northeastern U.S. The rivalry became more heated in spring training of 2008, when a home plate collision between Rays outfielder Elliot Johnson and Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli was followed the next day by spikes - high slide by Yankees outfielder Shelley Duncan into Rays ' second baseman Akinori Iwamura, prompting Rays outfielder Jonny Gomes to charge in from his position in right field and knock Duncan to the ground. Citrus Series Main article : Citrus Series The Rays also have a geographical rivalry with the Miami Marlins. Tampa Bay currently leads the series, 52 - 51 Ballparks Tropicana Field Main article : Tropicana Field The Rays play their home games at Tropicana Field. The Rays have played at Tropicana Field since their inception in 1998. The facility, which was originally called the `` Florida Suncoast Dome '', was built in the late 1980s to attract an MLB team through either relocation or expansion. After St. Petersburg was awarded an expansion franchise in 1995, the dome underwent extensive renovations and naming rights were sold to Tropicana Products, which was based in nearby Bradenton, Florida. Tropicana Field underwent further renovations in 2006 and 2007 after Stu Sternberg gained controlling ownership of the team. Most of the changes sought to improve fans ' game - day experience. For the players, the biggest change was the installation of a new Field Turf surface in 2007, which was replaced in turn with a new version of AstroTurf for the 2011 season. New ballpark Main article : Rays Ballpark The Rays ' current ownership has long hinted that Tropicana Field does not generate enough revenue and that it is too far from the Tampa Bay Area 's population center. In 2007, the team announced a plan to build a covered ballpark at the current site of Al Lang Field on the St. Petersburg waterfront, and a local referendum was scheduled to decide on public financing. However, in the face of vocal opposition, the Rays withdrew the proposal in 2009 and stated they had abandoned all plans for a ballpark in downtown St. Petersburg waterfront, preferring a location nearer the center of Pinellas County or across the bay in Tampa. Since 2009, local officials, media, and business leaders have explored possibilities for a new stadium for the Rays somewhere in the Tampa Bay area. However, St. Petersburg mayor Bill Foster has repeatedly insisted that the Rays honor their lease agreement with the city, which runs through 2027 and prohibits the team from entering into talks with other communities, resulting in a protracted stalemate. In October 2014, it was reported that Sternberg, frustrated with efforts to build a new stadium in the Tampa Bay area, had discussions with Wall Street associates about moving the Rays to Montreal, which has been without a Major League Baseball franchise since the Montreal Expos moved to Washington, D.C. in 2005 to become the Washington Nationals. On December 9, 2014, reports surfaced that owner Stuart Sternberg will sell the team if a new stadium is not built. Uniforms Rays ' current road uniform, Alex Torres pitching. Current uniforms The current Rays primary uniform has been used with little change since the team officially shortened its name from `` Devil Rays '' to `` Rays '' for the 2008 season. The home jersey is a traditional white with the name `` Rays '' in dark blue across the chest and a yellow `` sunburst '' on the letter `` R ''. The Rays ' road uniform is gray, also with a sunburst and the team name across the chest. Both feature dark blue piping and caps featuring a white `` TB '' logo. The Rays ' first alternate jersey also features the name `` Rays '' and a yellow sunburst on chest, but is a dark blue material with Columbia blue piping, white characters for the player name, and player numbers that are simply a white outline. This alternate jersey is worn both at home and on the road with either white or gray pants. The Rays ' second alternate jersey is similar, but is a light Columbia blue. This second alternate is usually worn only for Sunday home games with white pants. Front of inaugural home jersey, 1998 Past uniforms 2005 - 07 road uniform, Rocco Baldelli running. During their first three seasons, the Devil Rays wore traditional white home and gray road uniforms with the text `` Devil Rays '' ( home ) and `` Tampa Bay '' ( road ) in stretched in an unconventional multicolor `` rainbow '' across the chest. The inaugural caps were also unusual : black with a purple brim at home and all black on the road, with both versions featuring a devil ray graphic and no letters at all. The caps changed in 1999 to feature a smaller ray and the letters `` TB '' and were all - black for both home and road games. During the 1999 and 2000 seasons, the Devil Rays added an alternate black jersey featuring the same rainbow text as the white and gray uniforms. In 2001, the Devil Rays dropped the multicolor text and de-emphasized purple in favor of more green. They also changed the font on their jersey tops and shortened the name on the home whites to read simply `` Rays '' while keeping `` Tampa Bay '' on the road grays. In 2005, the home uniforms were again tweaked to include still more green. The primary home whites became a sleeveless - look jersey with green sleeves, and the primary home caps were changed from black to green. In addition, a small ray with a long tail was added under the name `` Rays '' on the chest of the home jerseys. `` Turn Back the Clock '' nights The Rays staged a `` Turn Back the Clock '' promotion with a retro theme and throwback uniforms several times early in their existence, and it has become an annual tradition since 2006. Because the franchise does not yet have a long history from which to choose uniforms, they have usually worn the uniforms of other historical local teams. On these special occasions, Rays have worn the uniforms of the Tampa Tarpons of the Florida State League ( in 1999, 2006, and 2010 ), the St. Petersburg Pelicans of the Senior Professional Baseball Association ( in 2008 ), the St. Petersburg Saints ( in 2000 and 2007 ) and Tampa Smokers ( in 2011 ) of the Florida International League, and the University of Tampa Spartans ( in 2000 ). The Rays have worn their own uniforms for Turn Back the Clock night only once : in 2009, when they wore Devil Rays `` rainbow '' uniforms from their 1998 inaugural season. For Turn Back the Clock night during the 2012, 2013, and 2014 seasons, the Rays took the field wearing specially designed 1980 Tampa Bay Rays `` faux - back '' uniforms that represented what the team might have worn had the franchise existed during the late 1970s and early 80s. These uniforms are patterned after the San Diego Padres ' uniforms from the late 1970s, only in Rays ' team colors. The Rays ' opponent on Turn Back the Clock night also wears throwbacks from the same era as the Rays ' retro uniforms. For example, the Houston Astros wore their 1980s `` Rainbow Guts '' uniforms, the New York Mets wore the road uniforms of their 1969 championship team, the Chicago White Sox wore their red and white home uniforms from the 1970s, and the Baltimore Orioles wore their rare all - orange uniforms from the early 1970s. Perhaps the most memorable such game was on June 23, 2007, when the Devil Rays wore St. Pete Saints uniforms from the early 1950s and the Los Angeles Dodgers wore the gray road uniforms of the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers to honor Don Zimmer, who played on that Dodger team and was a senior adviser for the Rays prior to his death. The team also gave away a bobblehead at the game featuring a young Zimmer in a Dodgers uniform and an older Zimmer in a Devil Rays uniform. Team Media Radio WDAE ( 620 AM ) has been the flagship station of the Rays radio network since 2009. The play - by - play announcers are Dave Wills and Andy Freed with Neil Solondz serving as the pregame and postgame host. Rich Herrera served as the host during pre - and post-game shows for the Tampa Rays Baseball Radio Network from 2005 -- 2011. The ( Devil ) Rays original radio team consisted of Paul Olden and Charlie Slowes, who broadcast games from 1998 to 2005. Slowes went to the Washington Nationals, where he is now lead announcer, while Olden pursued a photography career before replacing Bob Sheppard as the public address announcer at Yankee Stadium in 2008. Rays games have been aired on WFLA 970 AM ( 1998 -- 2004 ) and WHNZ 1250 AM ( 2005 -- 2008 ) in the past. In 2013, the Rays became the second team to enter into a contract to have games broadcast nationally by Compass Media Networks in a Game of the Week format. The broadcast team utilized during the 2013 season was TJ Rives calling play - by - play and a rotating circuit of analysts in Rob Dibble, Jeff Nelson, and Steve Phillips. 22 Rays games were produced nationally by Compass Media for the 2013 season. Television Fox Sports Sun broadcasts the Rays ' games on television. Through the 2008 season, many games also aired on Ion Television affiliate broadcast stations throughout the state of Florida, with WXPX - TV in Tampa as the flagship. However, after the 2008 season, Fox Sports signed an agreement to become the exclusive local broadcaster of the Rays, and will air 155 games per year through 2016. Fox Sports Florida began broadcasting a portion of the schedule in HD beginning in 2007 after Tropicana Field 's broadcast equipment was upgraded for in - house HD production. Most Rays home games are now broadcast in HD. Dewayne Staats ( play - by - play ) and Brian Anderson ( color commentary ) are the TV voices of the Rays. For the first 11 seasons of the franchise, Staats teamed with Joe Magrane on the Rays ' TV broadcasts. Magrane left after the 2008 season to take a position at the MLB Network. Kevin Kennedy served as the primary color commentator in 2009 and 2010, with Brian Anderson filling in on some road trips. Anderson took over as the everyday commentator for 2011. Early on, as Staats ' first wife was battling cancer, Paul Olden would occasionally fill in for Staats. As a result, Paul Olden ended up calling Wade Boggs ' 3,000 th hit. Awards Staats, Magrane, Wills, Olden and Slowes have all been nominated for the Ford C. Frick Award, the broadcasters ' path to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Promotions Bobbleheads 2013 This year the Rays released several bobbleheads. The first was released on April 22 and featured David Price 's dog `` Astro ''. On April 24 the Rays released the famous `` Joe Gnome '' bobblehead. May 24 -- 26 saw the release of the Fernando Rodney bobblehead in his famous shooting - the - arrow position. On July 6 the team released the Evan Longoria retro bobblehead. Bobbleheads 2012 The first bobblehead released was Kyle Farnsworth on May 24. June 3 saw the release of a Desmond Jennings Bobblehead. Coach Joe Maddon saw his bobblehead released on June 15. On June 29 the Rays released the whimsical Zim Bear. Although this was not a bobblehead, the likeness of long - time coach Don Zimmer proved to be a fan favorite. July saw the release of two bobbleheads with James Shields on July 1 and Matt Moore on July 22. The last bobblehead was Matt Joyce on September 23. The Rookie The Tampa Bay Devil Rays were featured in the movie, The Rookie, a 2002 drama directed by John Lee Hancock. It is based on the true story of Jim Morris, who had a brief but famous Major League Baseball career with the team. Morris was a 35 - year - old high school baseball coach who could repeatedly throw a baseball 98 miles per hour ( 158 km / h ), an ability that only a few major leaguers could equal at the time. He was persuaded to try out for professional ballclubs and signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays organization. Morris was initially assigned to the minor league Class AA Orlando Rays ( now the Montgomery Biscuits ), but quickly moved up to the AAA Durham Bulls and was called up to the `` Bigs '' during the September roster expansions. Jim Morris spent parts of two seasons with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as a relief pitcher. He pitched 15 innings in 21 games, with an earned run average of 4.80. Rays fandom Raymond, the mascot, pictured in 2007. Although widespread support has been slow to build with the lack of success in its first ten seasons, it has taken some cues from the powerhouses of the American League East. Whereas Red Sox fans are referred to as Red Sox Nation, the Orioles fan base is referred to Birdland, and Yankee fans are referred to as Yankees Universe ( and the team itself being called the `` Evil Empire '' ), the Rays have adopted the term Rays Republic for their fan base. The team has also had its fair share of notable fans and outrageous fan traditions over the years. More cowbell The Rays ' Cowbell was originally a promotional idea thought up by principal owner Stuart Sternberg, who got the idea from the Saturday Night Live sketch. Since then, it has become a standard feature of home games, something akin to the Sacramento Kings of the NBA and the bells their fans ring during games. Road teams have often considered the cowbell a nuisance. 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 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. DJ Kitty Whenever the game situation calls for a rally, the ' DJ Kitty ' appears on the large video screen in Tropicana Field. A large anthropomorphic cat, wearing a Rays jersey, appears on the screen wielding a turntable similar to those used by rap DJs. Loud music is played over the PA system while the arrival of the DJ Kitty is proclaimed on display boards throughout the ballpark. The character was created in 2010 by Rays entertainment director Lou Costanza in an attempt to rally the Rays players and the fans at Tropicana Field. Professional wrestlers Rays games are frequently visited by professional wrestlers, as there are a large number of wrestlers living in the Tampa Bay Area. The Nasty Boys ( Brian Knobs and Jerry Sags ), Brutus Beefcake, and Hulk Hogan all appear on a semi-regular basis at Rays games. John Cena appears on occasion. The Rays held a `` Legends of Wrestling Night '' on May 18, 2007, featuring several wrestling matches after the game, an 8 -- 4 loss to the Florida Marlins. Outfielder and wrestling fan Jonny Gomes ran interference for the Nasty Boys during the main event. A second `` Wrestling Night '' was held on April 19, 2008, after a 5 -- 0 win over the Chicago White Sox. Gomes participated again, this time making a post-match save for the Nasty Boys. Mohawks During the playoffs, Rays players and coaches sport mohawk haircuts. The trend started during their 2008 World Series run. Team slogans 2008 Tampa Bay in the World Series The mantra 9 = 8 ( spoken as `` nine equals eight '' ) was used by the Rays during the 2008 season. The phrase was originally created by manager Joe Maddon while riding his bike after the 2007 season. The meaning of the phrase was that if nine players play nine innings of hard baseball everyday, that team would become one of the eight teams who qualify for the post-season. Prior to 2008 season, the Rays had never had a winning season in franchise history, much less a post-season appearance. After a slow start to the 2008 season, the Rays began to pick up speed and found themselves among the best teams in the league that year. Maddon had blue T - shirts made with the phrase on the back in yellow, representing the team 's new colors, and gave them to the players during the season. His idea to put the slogan on the back of the shirt, rather than the front, was that a person who was walking behind someone wearing the shirt would see it. Rays right fielder Gabe Gross, who was acquired by the team through a trade early into the 2008 campaign, said that as much as it was 9 = 8, it was more along the lines that 13 = 8, because the Rays had many players contributing to the team 's success that season. The Rays played well enough throughout the year that they surpassed their previous team record for wins in a single season by more than 30 wins and ultimately clinched a spot in the 2008 MLB post-season for their first postseason appearance in franchise history. As the phrase 9 = 8 had come to fruition, Maddon stated that the phrase also meant that theory and reality had come together. With each level the Rays reached, the equation was changed. After they clinched their post-season spot, it became 9 = 4, to represent the teams advancing to the LCS. When they won the ALDS, it became 9 = 2, for the teams advancing to the World Series. When they won the ALCS, it became 9 = 1, representing the possible World Series Championship. In the end, they did not win the World Series, losing to the Philadelphia Phillies four games to one. 2009 A week before Spring training for the 2009 season, Maddon introduced a new slogan, ' 09 > ' 08. The meaning of his new idea was that he does n't like to use the words `` great '' or `` greater '', but would rather the phrase be spoken as `` better than. '' His only problem was that there is no symbol for `` better than. '' Originally thinking about creating a new symbol to mean `` better than '', he admitted that he did n't want to get `` too nuts '', so the symbol for greater than would have to do. Re-emphasizing that 9 would always equal 8 in the Rays ' math, the upcoming season would be greater than the previous. He wanted the players to understand that `` in order to build this new road we have to be better than we were last year. '' Unfortunately for the Rays, 2009 was not better than 2008. Though they finished the season in 3rd place with an 84 -- 78 record, making it the second best season in franchise history, they failed to reach the post-season. Opening Day in St. Petersburg For the 2010 season, another slogan was created. Unlike the previous two seasons, this slogan did not involve any sort of math. The slogan was WIN, an acronym that stood for What 's Important Now ?, with the message being `` stay in the moment. '' In his explanation of the slogan, Maddon credited Ken Ravizza, the performance consultant of the Rays and a sports psychologist, as the creator. Maddon stated, `` It 's always about staying in the present tense and having a higher state of awareness. '' GTMI became another notable slogan during the year, standing for Get The Man In ( though it is reported a player has used a `` more colorful '' term to take place of the word `` man '' ), referring to an in - game situation in which the Rays had runners in scoring position. Historically, the team had a habit of stranding runners on third base with less than two outs. In practices during the 2010 season, the Rays would run the `` get - the - man - in drill '' to improve situational hitting. Derek Shelton, who came into the season as the team 's new hitting coach, taught that batters should not look for a pitch they could hit for a home run, but one that they could hit well enough to score runners. Current roster Tampa Bay Rays roster Active roster Inactive roster Coaches / Other Pitchers 46 José Alvarado 22 Chris Archer 35 Matt Andriese 26 Brad Boxberger 31 Xavier Cedeño 53 Alex Cobb 37 Álex Colomé 33 Steve Cishek 87 José De León 34 Jacob Faria 58 Chih - Wei Hu 49 Tommy Hunter 43 Dan Jennings 36 Andrew Kittredge 23 Jake Odorizzi 50 Austin Pruitt 52 Chaz Roe 54 Sergio Romo 57 Jaime Schultz 4 Blake Snell 59 Ryne Stanek 47 Chase Whitley -- Hunter Wood Catchers 19 Curt Casali 40 Wilson Ramos 45 Jesús Sucre Infielders 27 Willy Adames 11 Adeiny Hechavarria 3 Evan Longoria 13 Brad Miller 7 Logan Morrison 14 Trevor Plouffe 29 Daniel Robertson Outfielders 18 Peter Bourjos 10 Corey Dickerson 39 Kevin Kiermaier 30 César Puello 0 Mallex Smith 20 Steven Souza Designated hitters 21 Lucas Duda Manager 16 Kevin Cash Coaches 15 Rocco Baldelli ( first base / outfield / baserunning ) 41 Stan Boroski ( bullpen ) 77 Scott Cursi ( bullpen catcher ) 99 Misha Dworken ( bullpen catcher ) 51 Chad Mottola ( hitting ) 25 Charlie Montoyo ( bench ) -- Matt Quatraro ( third base ) -- Kyle Snyder ( pitching ) -- vacant ( assistant hitting / catching ) 60 - day disabled list 5 Matt Duffy 24 Nathan Eovaldi 56 Taylor Guerrieri 38 Shawn Tolleson Restricted list 28 Colby Rasmus 40 active, 0 inactive 7 - or 10 - day disabled list Suspended list Personal leave Roster and coaches updated October 24, 2017 Transactions Depth chart → All MLB rosters Minor league affiliations Main article : List of Tampa Bay Rays minor league affiliates Level Team League Location Ballpark AAA Durham Bulls International League Durham, North Carolina Durham Bulls Athletic Park AA Montgomery Biscuits Southern League Montgomery, Alabama Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium Advanced A Charlotte Stone Crabs Florida State League Port Charlotte, Florida Charlotte Sports Park Bowling Green Hot Rods Midwest League Bowling Green, Kentucky Bowling Green Ballpark Short Season A Hudson Valley Renegades New York -- Penn League Fishkill, New York Dutchess Stadium Advanced Rookie Princeton Rays Appalachian League Princeton, West Virginia H.P. Hunnicutt Field Rookie GCL Rays Gulf Coast League Port Charlotte, Florida DSL Rays 1 Dominican Summer League Boca Chica, Santo Domingo, DR DSL Rays 2 Dominican Summer League Boca Chica, Santo Domingo, DR Awards, League leaders, and individual records See also : Tampa Bay Rays award winners and league leaders Baseball Hall of famers Tampa Bay Rays Hall of Famers Affiliation according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Tampa Bay Devil Rays Wade Boggs Players and managers listed in bold are depicted on their Hall of Fame plaques wearing a Devil Rays or Rays cap insignia. Florida Sports Hall of Fame Main article : Florida Sports Hall of Fame Rays in the Florida Sports Hall of Fame No. Name Position Tenure Notes 12 Wade Boggs 3B 1998 -- 1999 Elected mainly on his performance with Boston Red Sox 22 Johnny Damon OF 2011 Raised in Orlando 24 Tino Martinez 1B Elected mainly on his performance with New York Yankees, born and raised in Tampa, attended University of Tampa 29 Fred McGriff 1B 1998 -- 2001, 2004 Elected mainly on his performance with Atlanta Braves, born in Tampa Retired numbers Don Zimmer had his # 66 retired by the Rays. The Tampa Bay Rays have retired three numbers. These numbers are displayed to the left of the center field scoreboard and `` K Counter '' on a small wall. Jackie Robinson 's number 42 was retired by all of Major League Baseball. Wade Boggs 3B Retired April 7, 2000 Don Zimmer Coach Retired April 6, 2015 Jackie Robinson All MLB Honored April 15, 1997 Selected individual franchise single - season records Main article : Tampa Bay Rays team records Highest batting average :. 325, Jeff Keppinger ( 2012 ) Most games : 162, Aubrey Huff ( 2003 ), Evan Longoria ( 2014 ), and Delmon Young ( 2007 ) Most hits : 198, Aubrey Huff ( 2003 ) Highest slugging % :. 627, Carlos Peña ( 2007 ) Most doubles : 47, Aubrey Huff ( 2003 ) Most triples : 19, Carl Crawford ( 2004 ) Most home runs : 46, Carlos Peña ( 2007 ) Most RBIs : 121, Carlos Peña ( 2007 ) Most stolen bases : 60, Carl Crawford ( 2009 ) Most wins : 20, David Price ( 2012 ) Lowest ERA : 2.56, David Price ( 2012 ) Strikeouts : 252, Chris Archer ( 2015 ) Complete games : 11, James Shields ( 2011 ) Shutouts : 4, James Shields ( 2011 ) Saves : 48, Fernando Rodney ( 2012 ) Team salaries Opening Day payrolls for 25 - man roster ( since 1999 ) : Opening Day Salary Year Salary 2017 $69,982,520 2016 $57,097,310 2015 $73,649,584 2014 $82,035,490 2013 $51,903,072 2012 $64,173,500 2011 $41,053,571 $71,924,471 2009 $63,313,034 2008 $43,820,597 2007 $24,123,500 2006 $35,417,967 2005 $29,679,067 $29,556,667 2003 $19,630,000 2002 $34,380,000 2001 $56,980,000 2000 $64,407,910 1999 $37,812,500 1998 $25,317,500 Footnotes The Finish column lists regular season results and excludes postseason play. The Wins and Losses columns list regular season results and exclude any postseason play. Regular and postseason records are combined only at the bottom of the list. The GB column lists `` Games Back '' from the team that finished in first place that season. It is determined by finding the difference in wins plus the difference in losses divided by two. ALDS stands for American League Division Series. ALCS stands for American League Championship Series. CPOY stands for Comeback Player of the Year CYA stands for Cy Young Award. MOY stands for Manager of the Year. ROY stands for American League Rookie of the Year. See also Baseball portal Tampa Bay Rays all - time roster Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame ( including Tampa Bay Rays exhibit ) Baseball awards List of MLB awards References ^ Jump up to : `` Time to shine : Rays introduce new name, new icon, new team colors and new uniforms ''. Major League Baseball Advanced Media. November 8, 2007. Retrieved October 7, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Tampa Bay Rays Team History & Encyclopedia ''. Baseball-Reference.com. Jump up ^ `` Devil Rays ' ownership transfer approved ''. ESPN. Associated Press. November 17, 2005. Retrieved September 12, 2017. Jump up ^ Reuter, Joel ( June 11, 2013 ). `` Is Red Sox - Rays the Most Underrated Heated Rivalry in Baseball ? ''. Bleacher Report. Retrieved September 12, 2017. Jump up ^ `` HOW ABOUT PANTHERS ? ''. Orlando Sentinel. April 13, 1990. Retrieved September 12, 2017. Jump up ^ Giuliotti, Ed ( April 1, 1991 ). `` Local Fans Give Huizenga 113,000 Votes Of Confidence ''. Sun - Sentinel. Retrieved September 12, 2017. Jump up ^ Joseph, Dave ( June 15, 1993 ). `` Panthers Unveil Uniforms, Logo ''. Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 12, 2017. Jump up ^ Chass, Murray ( November 11, 1992 ). `` BASEBALL ; Look What Wind Blew Back : Baseball 's Giants ''. The New York Times. Retrieved September 12, 2017. ^ Jump up to : `` Tampa Bay Rays History & Encyclopedia ''. Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 28, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Rookie of the Year Award Winners ''. Baseball-Reference.com. 2013 - 11 - 11. Retrieved 2013 - 11 - 11. Jump up ^ Ryan, Bob ( October 19, 2008 ). `` Tampa Bay steps up as new rival ''. The Boston Globe. Retrieved September 12, 2017. Jump up ^ Topkin, Marc ( October 9, 2008 ). `` Rays - Red Sox rivalry dates to 2000 ''. Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved September 12, 2017. Jump up ^ Cafardo, Nick ( April 27, 2005 ). `` Schilling and Piniella exchange barbs ''. The Boston Globe. Retrieved September 12, 2017. Jump up ^ Romano, John ( October 9, 2008 ). `` Message pitch in Boston helped carry Rays ' season ''. Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved September 12, 2017. Jump up ^ Cristodero, Damian ( March 7, 2005 ). `` Rays : Fans as scarce as wins ''. St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved September 12, 2017. Jump up ^ `` mcubed.net : MLB : Series records : Miami Marlins against Tampa Bay Rays ''. Retrieved September 30, 2014. Jump up ^ Sharockman, Aaron ; Nohlgren, Stephen ( September 5, 2008 ). `` Why replace the Trop ? ''. Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved September 12, 2017. Jump up ^ Williams, Pete ( November 28, 2007 ). `` Rays unveil plans for new stadium ''. Major League Baseball Advanced Media. Retrieved September 12, 2017. Jump up ^ Gonzalez, Alden ( May 22, 2009 ). `` St. Pete waterfront ballpark a no - go ''. Major League Baseball Advanced Media. Retrieved September 12, 2017. Jump up ^ Nohlgren, Stephen ( March 16, 2010 ). `` ABC Coalition make its Tampa Bay Rays stadium pitch to Pinellas County ''. Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved September 12, 2017. Jump up ^ Madden, Bill ( October 25, 2014 ). `` MLB commish Bud Selig 's nightmare is Cubs dream as Joe Maddon leaves Rays ''. New York Daily News. Retrieved September 12, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Report : Rays owner discussed move to Montreal ''. TSN. October 26, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg said he will sell team if new stadium not built ''. Sports Illustrated. December 9, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2017. Jump up ^ `` National Baseball Hall of Fame - Dressed to the Nines - Uniform Database ''. exhibits.baseballhalloffame.org. Jump up ^ `` National Baseball Hall of Fame - Dressed to the Nines - Uniform Database ''. exhibits.baseballhalloffame.org. Jump up ^ `` National Baseball Hall of Fame - Dressed to the Nines - Uniform Database ''. exhibits.baseballhalloffame.org. Jump up ^ `` National Baseball Hall of Fame - Dressed to the Nines - Uniform Database ''. exhibits.baseballhalloffame.org. ^ Jump up to : `` Q&A : Tampa Bay Rays wear variety of throwback uniforms ''. Tampa Bay Times. Jump up ^ `` Rays Turn Back the Clock with a fake throwback jersey ''. Tampa Bay Times. June 30, 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2013. Jump up ^ Matt Moore wins again, Rays cruise past White Sox. Bay News 9 ( 2013 - 07 - 06 ). Retrieved on 2013 - 07 - 23. Jump up ^ Rays ' throwback uniforms to a time when they did n't exist. Content.usatoday.com ( 2012 - 06 - 20 ). Retrieved on 2013 - 07 - 23. Jump up ^ `` Lots of fun at the ballpark ''. Ocala Star - Banner. Retrieved August 1, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Rays will turn back the clock Aug. 13 with Village People ''. Tampa Bay Times. Jump up ^ `` Rays celebrate Turn Back the Clock Night ; Zimmer bobblehead, former Dodgers mates featured at Rays - Dodgers game ''. Tampa Bay Rays. Jump up ^ `` Rich Herrera '' 98.7 The Fan http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2012/08/02/rich-herrera-the-fan-cbs/ Jump up ^ Anthony Mccarron ( November 29, 2009 ). `` Paul Olden, public address announcer at Yankee Stadium, gets nod from ' Voice of God ' Bob Sheppard ''. New York : NYDailyNews. Jump up ^ Maury Brown. `` Long Rays Forecast : FSN Florida Signs 8 - Year Extension with Tampa Bay ''. bizofbaseball.com. Jump up ^ Tampa Bay Rays ( 2012 ). Promotions. Retrieved from http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/schedule/promotions.jsp?c_id=tb&y=2013 Jump up ^ Tampa Bay Rays ( 2012 ). Promotions. Retrieved from http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/schedule/promotions.jsp?c_id=tb&y=2012 Jump up ^ FOX. `` Tampa Bay news, weather forecast, radar, and sports from WTVT - TV - FOX 13 News - FOX 13 Tampa Bay ''. FOX13news. Jump up ^ Virginia Johnson ( October 7, 2010 ). `` DJ Kitty is the Tampa Bay Rays best kept secret ''. Bay News 9. Retrieved October 7, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Notes : Gomes enjoys Wrestling Night ''. Tampa Bay Rays. Jump up ^ `` ' Wrestling Night ' returns to The Trop ''. Tampa Bay Rays. Jump up ^ `` Mohawk fever spreading among Rays ''. Major League Baseball. Retrieved 2016 - 06 - 05. Jump up ^ `` Maddon uses 9 = 8 slogan to motivate ''. Tampa Bay Rays. Jump up ^ `` Rays clinch club 's first playoff spot ''. Tampa Bay Rays. Jump up ^ Marc Topkin ( February 26, 2010 ). `` Season slogan : WIN ''. St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved February 26, 2010. Jump up ^ John Romano ( May 7, 2010 ). `` Rays ' mantra : GTMI ''. St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved June 22, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Cot 's Baseball Contracts : Tampa Bay Rays ''. mlbcontracts.blogspot.com. Jump up ^ `` Tampa Bay Rays Salaries ''. USA Today. June 18, 2016. Jump up ^ Tampa Bay Rays 2013 Player Salaries and Team Payroll -- ESPN. Espn.go.com. Retrieved on 2013 - 07 - 23. External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tampa Bay Rays. Tampa Bay Rays official website Tampa Bay Times coverage of the Tampa Bay Rays Tampa Bay Rays Formerly the Tampa Bay Devil Rays Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, ( Tampa Bay ) Franchise Players Managers Owners and executives Broadcasters Radio Network Awards Records No - hitters Opening Day starting pitchers First - round draft picks History Baseball in the Tampa Bay Area Seasons Expansion Expansion draft All articles Ballparks Tropicana Field Rays Ballpark ( proposed ) Spring training Al Lang Stadium Charlotte Sports Park Culture Raymond The Rookie Dick Crippen The Happy Heckler Defenders of the Game Cowbell Lore 9 = 8 Game 162 2013 AL Wild Card tie - breaker game Rivalries Miami Marlins Key personnel Owner : Stuart Sternberg President : Brian Auld President of Baseball Operations : Matthew Silverman General Manager : Erik Neander Manager : Kevin Cash American League pennants ( 1 ) 2008 Division titles ( 2 ) 2008 Wild - Card berths ( 2 ) 2011 2013 Retired numbers 12 42 66 Minor league affiliates Durham Bulls ( AAA ) Montgomery Biscuits ( AA ) Charlotte Stone Crabs ( A Adv. ) Bowling Green Hot Rods ( A ) Hudson Valley Renegades ( Short A ) Princeton Rays ( Rookie Adv. ) GCL Rays ( Rookie ) DSL Rays 1 ( Rookie ) DSL Rays 2 ( Rookie ) Seasons ( 21 ) 1990s 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000s 2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010s 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Links to related articles Principal owners of the Tampa Bay Rays franchise Vince Naimoli Stuart Sternberg Tampa Bay Rays general managers Tampa Bay Devil Rays ( 1998 - 2007 ) LaMar Friedman Tampa Bay Rays ( 2008 - present ) Friedman Silverman Neander Tampa Bay Rays managers Larry Rothschild ( 1998 -- 2001 ) Hal McRae ( 2001 -- 2002 ) Lou Piniella ( 2003 -- 2005 ) Joe Maddon ( 2006 -- 2014 ) Kevin Cash ( 2015 -- ) Tampa Bay Rays retired numbers 12 Wade Boggs 66 Don Zimmer Major League Baseball ( 2017 ) American League East Baltimore Orioles Boston Red Sox New York Yankees Tampa Bay Rays Toronto Blue Jays Central Chicago White Sox Cleveland Indians Detroit Tigers Kansas City Royals Minnesota Twins West Houston Astros Los Angeles Angels Oakland Athletics Seattle Mariners Texas Rangers National League East Atlanta Braves Miami Marlins New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies Washington Nationals Central Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Reds Milwaukee Brewers Pittsburgh Pirates St. Louis Cardinals West Arizona Diamondbacks Colorado Rockies Los Angeles Dodgers San Diego Padres San Francisco Giants Postseason World Series Champions NL NL Champions NLCS NLDS AL AL Champions ALCS ALDS Wild Card Game Appearances Streaks Droughts Series Steroid usage Drug policy suspensions Mitchell Report Juiced Vindicated Biogenesis baseball scandal BALCO scandal Game of Shadows Barry Bonds perjury case Miscellaneous All - Star Game World Baseball Classic International games Records Awards Retired numbers Hall of Fame Executive Management Winter Meetings Hot stove league Transactions MLB drafts First year player Rule 5 Players Association TV contracts Highest paid players Luxury tax Instant replay MLB logo MLB team uniforms Minor League Baseball History AL Seasons Tie - breakers Tie - breaking procedures Rivalries Interleague play Schedule Stadiums Civil Rights Game Jackie Robinson Day Spring training Opening Day Lockouts / strikes Mascots MLB.com Timeline Timeline of Major League Baseball History of team nicknames Dead - ball era Live - ball era Relocation of the 1950s -- 60s Expansion 1961 1962 1969 1977 1998 Commissioner : Rob Manfred League Presidents NL AL American League Organization Parent league : Major League Baseball Partner league : National League Origins : ( History Western League ) Honorary president : Frank Robinson Current teams East Baltimore Orioles Boston Red Sox New York Yankees Tampa Bay Rays Toronto Blue Jays Central Chicago White Sox Cleveland Indians Detroit Tigers Kansas City Royals Minnesota Twins West Houston Astros Los Angeles Angels Oakland Athletics Seattle Mariners Texas Rangers Former and relocated teams Baltimore Orioles ( 1901 -- 1902 ) Kansas City Athletics ( 1955 -- 1967 ) Milwaukee Brewers I ( 1901 ) Milwaukee Brewers II ( 1970 -- 1997 ) Philadelphia Athletics ( 1901 -- 1954 ) Seattle Pilots ( 1969 ) St. Louis Browns ( 1902 -- 1953 ) Washington Senators I ( 1901 -- 1960 ) Washington Senators II ( 1961 -- 1971 ) Championship play List of champions Championship Series Division Series Wild Card winners Related articles Designated hitter Professional baseball Tampa Bay Area Topics Tampa Bay Climate History Media Sports Tampa International Airport Hillsborough County Public Schools Pinellas County Schools University of South Florida Central cities Tampa St. Petersburg Clearwater Smaller communities Pinellas Park Temple Terrace Brandon Zephyrhills Plant City Largo Dunedin Tarpon Springs Lutz Sun City Center Counties in MSA Hernando Hillsborough Pasco Pinellas See also : Florida Sports in the Tampa Bay Area Baseball Baseball in the Tampa Bay Area MLB Tampa Bay Rays FSL Clearwater Threshers Dunedin Blue Jays Tampa Yankees GCL Blue Jays Phillies Yankees Football NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers AFL Tampa Bay Storm WFA Tampa Bay Inferno Hockey NHL Tampa Bay Lightning Roller derby WFTDA Tampa Bay Derby Darlins Soccer USL Tampa Bay Rowdies College athletics NCAA Division I South Florida Bulls NCAA Division II Eckerd Tritons Saint Leo Lions Tampa Spartans Major sports venues Current venues Raymond James Stadium Tropicana Field Amalie Arena George M. Steinbrenner Field Bright House Field Al Lang Field Florida Auto Exchange Stadium USF Sun Dome USF Soccer Stadium Bob Martinez Sports Center Jack Russell Memorial Stadium Expo Hall Former venues Tampa Stadium Al Lopez Field Bayfront Center Curtis Hixon Hall Plant Field Phillips Field Sports teams in Florida Baseball MLB Miami Marlins Tampa Bay Rays SL Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Pensacola Blue Wahoos FSL Bradenton Marauders Charlotte Stone Crabs Clearwater Threshers Daytona Tortugas Dunedin Blue Jays Florida Fire Frogs Fort Myers Miracle Jupiter Hammerheads Lakeland Flying Tigers Palm Beach Cardinals St. Lucie Mets Tampa Yankees Gulf Coast League Florida Collegiate Summer League Basketball NBA Miami Heat Orlando Magic G League Lakeland Magic ABA Jacksonville Giants Miami Midnites South Florida Gold Football NFL Jacksonville Jaguars Miami Dolphins Tampa Bay Buccaneers AFL Tampa Bay Storm NAL Jacksonville Sharks AAL Florida Tarpons WFA Daytona Waveriders Jacksonville Dixie Blues Miami Fury Orlando Anarchy Tampa Bay Inferno Hockey NHL Florida Panthers Tampa Bay Lightning ECHL Florida Everblades Jacksonville IceMen Orlando Solar Bears SPHL Pensacola Ice Flyers Lacrosse MLL Florida Launch Roller derby WFTDA Fort Myers Derby Girls Gainesville Roller Rebels Gold Coast Derby Grrls Jacksonville RollerGirls Tallahassee RollerGirls Tampa Roller Derby MRDA Magic City Misfits Rugby league USARL Central Florida Warriors Jacksonville Axemen Tampa Mayhem Rugby union FRU Bay Area Pelicans Boca Raton RFC Jacksonville RFC Miami Rugby Club Tampa Bay Krewe Soccer MLS Orlando City SC NWSL Orlando Pride NASL Miami FC Jacksonville Armada FC USL Orlando City B Tampa Bay Rowdies NPSL Beaches FC Jacksonville Armada U-23 Kraze United Miami Fusion FC Miami United F.C. Naples United FC PDL FC Miami City IMG Academy Bradenton Lakeland Tropics SC Palm Beach Suns FC SIMA Águilas South Florida Surf Tampa Bay Rowdies U23 The Villages SC Weston FC APSL Boca Raton FC Hurricane FC Inter United AC Jupiter United SC Miami Dade FC Red Force FC South Florida FC Uruguay Kendall Soccer ( indoor ) MASL Florida Tropics SC Softball NPF USSSA Pride Ultimate AUDL Jacksonville Cannons College Sports in Florida Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tampa_Bay_Rays&oldid=806938115 '' Categories : Major League Baseball teams Grapefruit League Tampa Bay Rays Sports clubs established in 1998 Professional baseball teams in Florida Sports in St. Petersburg, Florida 1998 establishments in Florida Hidden categories : Use mdy dates from July 2013 All articles with unsourced statements Articles with unsourced statements from September 2017 Articles with unsourced statements from October 2015 Talk Contents About Wikipedia Bân - lâm - gú Català Čeština Dansk Deutsch Español Euskara Français Galego 한국어 हिन्दी Hrvatski Bahasa Indonesia Italiano עברית Nederlands 日本 語 Norsk Polski Português Русский Simple English Slovenščina Suomi Svenska Türkçe Українська 中文 Edit links This page was last edited on 25 October 2017, at 01 : 18. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia ® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. About Wikipedia

Question: when did the tampa bay rays become a team
Answer: 1998