MLB · Florida
The Tampa Bay Rays began play in 1998 as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and later shortened the name to Rays. The club represents the Tampa Bay region in the American League East.
The franchise broke through in 2008, winning its first American League pennant and reaching the World Series. Tampa Bay won another pennant in 2020, continuing a long stretch in which the organization became known for competing efficiently in one of baseball’s toughest divisions.
Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg is again the Rays’ home in 2026. The fixed-roof stadium has hosted the franchise since its first season and remains central to the ongoing regional conversation about the club’s long-term ballpark future.
The Rays give Florida an American League presence and create a natural geographic counterpoint to the National League Marlins. Their success has also made Tampa Bay one of the few markets with championship-level teams across several major sports in the same era.
FloridaTeams perspective
The Rays’ story combines strong on-field efficiency with persistent ballpark questions. Their 2026 return to Tropicana Field after a storm-disrupted 2025 season makes venue context especially important right now.
This team competes in the MLB and is part of the AL East.
This team plays its home games at Tropicana Field in or near St. Petersburg.
One defining achievement is 2 American League pennants.
One important rivalry is with the New York Yankees.
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