Tampa Bay Rays

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. In October 2024, Hurricane Milton caused serious damage to Tropicana Field. The Rays used Steinbrenner Field in Tampa for the 2025 season.

 History 
Joe Madden, manager of the Rays from 2006 to 2014|left|200px|thumb|alt=
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. 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
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. 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".

 Season records 
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 

 Other websites 

 Tampa Bay Rays Official Home Page