The Tampa Bay Rays held their annual Fan Fest at Tropicana Field, raising money for a number of causes while allowing fans to interact with their favorite Rays players. The event raised between $15,000 and $20,000 for the ALS Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Rays coaches conducted baseball clinics for children—who ran the bases just like their favorite players—at the Saturday, Feb. 18 event. Players Kyle Farnsworth, Alex Cobb and Elliot Johnson read to children, and the Kids Interactive Zone featured a Rock Band stage, Wiffle Ball stadium, MLB 2k11 station and Pop-A-Shot booth.
Autographs were free for season ticket holders as well as children ages 14 and under. Fans falling outside either of those categories purchased $50 wristbands in order to get their gear signed by Rays stars such as Evan Longoria, David Price and James Shields. Admission and parking were free, and fans interested in purchasing season tickets had the option of selecting their exact seat.
Denise Mercado, 44, brought her three sons to Fan Fest and praised the Rays for putting on a quality event. “We try to come out every year, and this is the best it’s ever been,” Mercado said. “There are so many things for everyone to do, no matter how old they are. How can you not have a good time at something like this?”
Rays Manager of Premium Services Craig Champagne said the franchise takes pride in reaching out to its fans. “We try to be a community-friendly organization. That’s what all of this is about, helping people.”
Manager Joe Maddon prepared his signature Thanksmas meal—spaghetti and meatballs with pierogies—to raise money for homeless shelters in the Tampa Bay area. Hundreds of Rays fans paid $50 to dine and chat with Maddon, who personally pays for all of the food prepared and has been conducting these dinners since 2006.
In the left field corner, the Rays held their annual Charity Yard Sale, the proceeds of which went to the Rays Baseball Foundation, which supports youth and education programs throughout the Tampa Bay region. Items for sale included autographed and game-used memorabilia. Nostalgic Rays fans could’ve snagged a game-worn Robert Fick or Julio Lugo jersey for just $50.
Rays fans interested in the day-to-day happenings of the club were able to learn more about the upcoming season from the multiple panel discussions that took place over the course of the seven-hour event. Rays broadcasters Dewayne Staats, Todd Kalas, Dave Wills, Andy Freed and Neil Solondz participated in the question-and-answer sessions, as did reigning AL Rookie of the Year Jeremy Hellickson, pitching coach Jim Hickey, and beat reporters Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times and Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune.
Photos by Daniel Mutter
