Rays Capture Hearts of Floridians
By Laura Palmisano
Love of Sports Correspondent
Finally.
Unless you’ve been down here in Tampa from the beginning, it’s hard to explain.
And no, I’m not talking about 1998 when the Rays threw their first pitch.
I’m talking about 1976, when the Bucs had their inaugural season. It’s been a roller coaster ride ever since.
For years, pro sports here have always been a way to pass the time, but nothing to be passionate about. We were forever the underachievers. We had owners who bumbled and fumbled through transactions, trades and salaries and we were forever hoping things would somehow get better. That they would get smarter.
We were continually let down.
And then the Bucs got new ownership and a well needed change. It turned out good. They built a contender and gave the fans something to get behind. Something to cheer about. You could sense we might finally have a winner.
In 2003, they delivered. I’ll never forget the moment the Lombardi Trophy was walked into Raymond James Stadium. It was surreal. It was a relief. It felt long overdue. The success since then, or lack thereof, certainly hasn’t been without controversy, but Tampa’s finally a consistent contender.
Finally.
I was there for Game 7 when the Lightning captured Lord Stanley’s Cup. Another moment I never thought I’d see. Another worst to first story. And just like the Bucs before them, we knew this wasn’t a fluke. They had built a solid franchise and good fan support.
Did you ever think Floridian’s – native Floridian’s – would ever care to know the difference between icing and offsides? I didn’t. But Khabibulin, LeCavalier and St. Louis were household names. Who knew. We were winners.
Finally.
And there we sat Saturday night, watching a bunch of kids with mohawks jump around the infield. They were going to the playoffs - for the first time in franchise history - and it isn’t a fluke. They EARNED it. They played hard all year and ignored all of the distractions.
There’s a buzz in the air. Football’s taken a backseat in the state of Florida and the Rays are planted right into the driver’s seat. This is their Bay Area right now. They’ve captured out hearts, our minds and our watercooler conversations. They aren’t the butt of jokes now. They’re contenders. When the Bucs and Lightning captured glory, we wondered aloud if the Rays could ever do it.
And they have.
Finally.
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