Rays Announce 25th Anniversary Plans
The Rays announced a series of plans on Thursday to celebrate the team’s 25th anniversary season, including a jersey patch, regular use of the throwback Devil Rays uniform, the establishment of the Rays Hall of Fame and more.
The Rays will wear the Devil Rays uniform 14 times this season, including Opening Day as well as all Friday home games. The 25th Anniversary patch will be worn on the cap and uniform sleeve for all games this season.
“We are excited to celebrate 25 years of Major League Baseball in Tampa Bay,” said Rays Owner Stuart Sternberg. “As this historic season approaches, we look forward to honoring the foundational years of Rays baseball by connecting our fans to outstanding players, staff and key moments from the last 25 years. I’m thankful for the continued support shown by Rays fans and supporters who exemplify what it means to Rays Up, and I can’t wait for this season.”
The Rays Hall of Fame will celebrate the former players, managers, coaches, broadcasters and executives who made exemplary contributions to the franchise, with the first class honoring the late Don Zimmer, Wade Boggs and Carl Crawford. All inductees will be recognized in the Gate 1 Rotunda and in a historical alcove in the left field concourse.
Get RaysRadio’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
The Rays will honor Zimmer on Sunday, April 2nd against the Detroit Tigers, Boggs on Sunday, July 9th against the Atlanta Braves and Crawford on Saturday, August 26th against the New York Yankees. Each date will include pregame ceremonies and a special giveaway for fans, namely a Don Zimmer Zim Bear Bobblehead presented by Morgan Automotive Group, a Wade Boggs Can Cooler presented by Bally Sports Sun and a Carl Crawford Mystery Bobblehead. Visit RaysBaseball.com/HoF for more information.
Special 25th Anniversary merchandise will be available at the Bay Republic Team Store as well as TheBayRepublic.com beginning at Fan Fest on Saturday February 18th. Products include hats, T-shirts, novelty items and more. Additional 25th Anniversary retail items will be added throughout the season. Follow @TheBayRepublic on Twitter and Instagram for more information.
Also, the Rays and Tampa Bay Times have collaborated on an exclusive 25th anniversary commemorative book, written by longtime Rays beat writer Marc Topkin, expected to be available in May.
In addition, Rays Radio will have a special podcast throughout the 2023 season. The first episode is now live and includes President Matt Silverman on the HOF class, Warren Hypes on the special logo and Stephon Thomas on the unique promotions.
For more information on the Rays 25th Anniversary campaign and key moments over the last 25 years of Rays Baseball, visit RaysBaseball.com/25.
