Evan Longoria to retire a Ray
May 12, 2025 - The Tampa Bay Rays announced Monday that Evan Longoria will sign a ceremonial one-day contract before a June 7 game and officially retire with the team that drafted him third overall in 2006. Longoria, or "Longo" to local fans, is widely considered the best player in franchise history. He earned the 2008 American League Rookie of the Year Award, three All-Star appearances, a Silver Slugger award and a bronze statue outside of Tropicana Field to commemorate his home run in the final game of the 2011 season that sent the Rays into the playoffs.