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Since 1998, the Tampa Bay Rays have been shining in the Tampa Bay area.

Formerly the Devil Rays, the Rays have entertained baseball enthusiasts for two decades now, making their home at the indoor Tropicana Field. Over the years, the Rays have developed into a formidable sports franchise, making a thrilling World Series run in 2008, and consistently making the playoffs since then. Once a dubious business proposition, the Rays have hit a home run, drawing in millions of fans to watch the team that has long since established itself as the team to watch to enjoy America’s pastime in the Tampa region.

Since 1998, the Tampa Bay Rays have been shining in the Tampa Bay area.

Formerly the Devil Rays, the Rays have entertained baseball enthusiasts for two decades now, making their home at the indoor Tropicana Field. Over the years, the Rays have developed into a formidable sports franchise, making a thrilling World Series run in 2008, and consistently making the playoffs since then. Once a dubious business proposition, the Rays have hit a home run, drawing in millions of fans to watch the team that has long since established itself as the team to watch to enjoy America’s pastime in the Tampa region.

Company Overview

Company Name

Tampa Bay Rays

Year Established

1998

Number of Employees

656

Profile

Following nearly three decades of unsuccessfully trying to gain an expansion franchise or enticing existing teams to relocate to the Tampa Bay area, an ownership group led by Vince Naimoli was approved on March 9, 1995. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays began play in the 1998 Major League Baseball season. The 2008 season saw the Tampa Bay Rays post their first winning season, their first AL East championship, and their first pennant (defeating the rival Boston Red Sox in the ALCS), though they lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in that year's World Series. Since then, the Rays have played in the postseason in 2010, 2011 and 2013.

Awards & Accolades

2008: Won American League East Division title. American League Champions. Made it to the World Series. 2010: Won American League East Division title. 2011: Made it to the American League Division series. 2013: Made it to the American League Division series.

Core values/mission statement

The Tampa Bay Rays' mission is to energize the community through the magic of Rays baseball. The organization is committed to building a strong community bond through meaningful interactions and charitable donations, and has proudly represented Major League Baseball since 1998.

Company Leadership

Principal Owner

The 2018 season marks the Rays' 13th under the leadership of Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg, who assumed control of the franchise in October 2005. His arrival marked the beginning of one of baseball's best turnaround stories. Today, the massive rebranding of the club entering the 2008 season marks a watershed for the two decades of Rays baseball. In the club's first decade of existence, the Devil Rays amassed the majors' worst record at 645-972 (.399) and finished in last place in nine of those 10 seasons. In the decade that followed, the Rays achieved an 855-766 (.527) record, the seventh-best record in baseball, and made four trips to the postseason. In seven of those 10 seasons, including 2017, the Rays were in postseason contention until at least the final week of the season. While the on-field successes have been the envy of small- and large-market teams alike, there is even more to the Rays progress. Sternberg takes great pride in the organization's community service and commitment to its employees.

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