Tampa Bay Rays facts for kids

Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Rays
	2019 Tampa Bay Rays season
Established	1998
based in St. Petersburg, Florida
Major league affiliations
American League (1998–present) East Division (1998–present); ;
Retired numbers	12, 42
Colors
	Navy Blue, Columbia Blue, White, Gold;
Name
	Tampa Bay Rays (2008–present);
	Tampa Bay Devil Rays (1998-2007);
Other nicknames
	The Rays;
Ballpark
	Tropicana Field (1998–present); ;
Major league titles
World Series titles (0)
AL Pennants (1)	2008
Division titles (1)	2008
Wild card berths (0)	none
Front office
Owner(s)	Stuart Sternberg
Manager	Joe Maddon
General Manager	Andrew Friedman

The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team that plays in St. Petersburg, Florida. From the team being started in 1998 until November 2007, it was known as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Their home stadium is Tropicana Field.

History

Joe Madden, current manager of the Rays

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.

On November 8, 2007, the team changed its name to Tampa Bay Rays.

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.