Not even two steps inside the entrance to Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay Rays fans were greeted with “Welcome back!” Fans and employees piled into the stadium, returning to the old swing of things for Fan Fest 2013 on Feb. 16.
“It’s so good to see you,” a security guard said, hugging a Rays Girl. “Don’t work too hard, now.”
Eagerness for the 2013 season was felt throughout the Trop. Free game calendars and bulletins for Rays events were snatched up by the fistful.
Fox Sports Florida Girls Annilie Hastey and Jordana DePaula stood by a banner posing for pictures. In between camera clicks, Hastey recognized a fan waiting in line to meet Rays television broadcasters Todd Kalas and Dewayne Staats.
“I remember you from last year! How are you?” she asked, jogging over to hug the man.
The Tampa Bay Rays Fan Fest resembled a family reunion with the players, too. Shortstop Sean Rodriguez joined a round of Family Feud with a mother and two children. Outfielder Desmond Jennings and pitchers Jeremy Hellickson and Matt Moore joined Rodriguez to call fans from the Metro PCS Call-A-Friend station. Children got a taste of spring training with batting, pitching, and run-the-bases racing.
The packed Tropicana Field signaled a jubilant return of baseball, and the hopes for an improved game turnout.
Amanda Starling is a correspondent at The Crow’s Nest. She can be reached at a.starling92@gmail.com.
