Pre-construction, Rays holding a yard sale for charity

Can’t get your hands on enough Tampa Bay Rays merchandise? You’re in luck. The Rays are hosting a “pre-construction” charity yard sale Saturday (May 31), in support of the Rays Baseball Foundation.

From 2017, this “Hugging Steven Souza” doll was never given away, as the right fielder was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Fans can expect a variety of items including shirts, caps, bobbleheads, drinkware and game-day giveaways from past seasons. Attendees will also be able to purchase unique memorabilia including Steven Souza dolls and Brandon Lowe cereal bowl and cup sets. 

After cleaning Tropicana Field before it’s turned over to the City of St. Petersburg for repairs, the Rays administrative team realized how many items they had in storage that fans might appreciate.

“In the process of clearing all of those items out, we were faced with a decision of what to do with it and many of them are in great condition still,” said Bill Walsh, Chief Business Officer. Some of the merchandise dates back 10 years or more.

“[We wanted to] have our fans come out and really kind of have a chance to browse through all of this nostalgia of Rays history.”

Over 75,000 items will be available.

The yard sale, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lots 6 and 7, is for fans of all ages and will feature activities such face painting, balloon twisting and more.

For just $20, attendees can purchase a bag and pack it with as many items as it can fit.

The “stuff a bag” concept was “the most practical way” to sell these belongings quickly before the organization has to leave Tropicana Field, Walsh explained.

Having to sort them and price them individually, he said, would have taken too much time.

Season ticket holders will have special access to the yard sale and be able to peruse before the general public, Walsh said. 

The Rays Baseball Foundation is “dedicated to improving the lives of those in need within our community, focusing primarily on education, youth development, wellness and social responsibility,” according to the nonprofit charitable organization’s website.

Admission to Saturday’s event is free; visit this link for additional information.