Why the Casual Fan Should Embrace the Rays

Times have changed, and it’s time to embrace the Rays.

With the ’09 season just around the corner, I thought I’d reflect one last time on what made being a Rays fan in 2008 so much fun and why the rest of baseball should embrace this franchise in the years ahead.

The Rays have provided us with hope for the sport, and a sexy alternative to the big money teams. If you haven’t yet, here are some fabulous reasons to embrace the Rays.

Youth, Speed and Defense

The Rays are one of the youngest teams in baseball, making them an exciting team to watch, with a group of players that the younger generation can relate to. Last year’s Rays team featured 10 players age 25 or younger, and 19 players under 30. With rising stars such as B.J. Upton, 24, David Price, 23, and Evan Longoria, 23, the Rays are here to stay.

As a result of this youth the team features fantastic speed and defense, a perfect turnaround for a sport coming out of the steroid era. While AL East competitors fielded a bunch of aging, un-athletic former stars, the Rays brought an excitement that had been missing from the game. My personal favorite was the occasional “track star” outfield of Carl Crawford, B.J. Upton and Fernando Perez.

The “sexy alternative” to the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry

To fully appreciate what the Rays did last season you have to think back and remember where they were at this time last year. We’re talking about a franchise that had never had a winning season in its 10-year existence and even the thought of a .500 season in ‘08 was, for the most part, laughed at.

Then the Rays went out and did the unthinkable, first literally fighting with both the Yankees and Red Sox, before beating them on the field.  

I’ve come to really despise the Yankees and to a lesser extent the Red Sox because of their negative influence on the game. The Rays provide a way to easily educate and offend these annoying fans. I’ve found that nothing makes a Boston fan more upset than telling them the truth of how they’ve turned into the new Yankees.

Meanwhile, nothing makes a Yankee fan more upset than informing them that it is now a battle between the Red Sox and Rays, and that their team is no longer a factor. I’ve found a quick way to deal with these annoying fans is by simply saying “Times have changed...The Rays.” They’ll understand.

Looking good

When I say the Rays are the sexy alternative. I really do mean “sexy”. If you are a Rays fan, you will be given every opportunity to look great. The Rays changed their uniforms prior to last season, and the new look has the power to turn even the most run-down fan into new levels of attractiveness.

Baseball the way it was meant to be

Instead of going out and buying a team like their rivals, the Rays are a homegrown, low budget team that has gotten good by building from within. They give hope to all who truly love the game, as they combat the big money teams that would seek to turn the sport into nothing more than a big business venture.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?