Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays are an American professional baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. They compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the American League (AL) East division. The franchise joined the AL as an expansion team in 1998, and is currently owned by Stuart Sternberg since 2005.

Since their inception, the Rays have played home games at Tropicana Field located on Dale Mabry Highway near downtown St. Petersburg and hosted four ALCS championships: 2008, 2010 , 2011 , 2020 . The “Rays” name was chosen to represent a strong ray of sunshine piercing through dark clouds; it also denotes the direction rays travel from east to west across Floridian skies—symbolizing hope for fans throughout Central Florida during tough times when they were struggling financially earlier this century.

The core group of players that helped lead them to becoming World Series champions include Manager Joe Maddon often credited with turning around their fortunes after taking over prior to 2007 season; Evan Longoria who became Rookie Of The Year & 3-time All Star ; David Price – Cy Young Award Winner 2012 ; Ben Zobrist two time all star famously known for his versatility playing various positions including shortstop second base catcher designated hitter & most recently first baseman /outfielder ; Wil Myers first Baseman/Outfielder won 2013 Rookie Of The Year award & Carlos Peña former first baseman who led league with 46 HRs 2008 while driving 110 RBI’s both helping guide club its 1st playoff berth ever that same year!

With roster changes every year due to free agency or trade and player development within system constantly evolving new stars being born such Blake Snell 2 Time ERA Leader 2019-2020 Shane McClanahan pitcher drafted 24th overall out University South Florida 2021 draft Class plus many more prospects making headlines organization looks poised continue success well into future building off previous accomplishments made thus far!

As part of MLB’s 30 teams competing against each other 162 regular season games per year hopes high come October make deep run playoffs before ultimately vying championship title itself something achieved just twice over course 20+ years existence so far but will remain goal every single going forward regardless what challenges await ahead ….Go Rays!!!