Devil Rays name change?

Question

I'm sure I'm late on this... but the Devil Rays are now the Tampa Bay Rays?

What do all think of that? Not that anyone really seems interested in TB anyway... but I don't think I've ever heard of a team changing thier name without moving...

Answer 1

They wanted to get the "Devil" out of their name. How about the Cincinnati Red Stockings? now known as just the Cincinnati Reds.

Answer 2

What that final guy suggested- Is there ANY source that asserts the Rays replaced their call simply by fact it 'indignant' somebody? The team in simple terms needed to have human beings end thinking bearing directly to the previous seasons (wherein that they had never even come close to to having a triumphing season), and the appropriate thank you to do this and look forward became into by making use of changing the call somewhat.

Answer 3

They are also having a uniform change.

It will be light blue and gold along with white. It isn't much of a big deal considering Tampa Bay is the worst franchise in baseball.

Pittsburgh also had the same type of name change, they used to be the Pittsburgh Butt Pirates. Crappy organizations do this sometimes.

Answer 4

11/08/2007 5:00 PM ET
Time to shine: Rays introduce new name, new icon, new team colors and new uniforms


ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- Introducing the Tampa Bay Rays. Tampa Bay's Major League Baseball team has a new name, new team colors - navy blue and light blue - and a new icon, a bright yellow sunburst invoking the magnificence of life in the Sunshine State.
The dramatic makeover was announced today at a launch party in downtown St. Petersburg. In front of a crowd of thousands, Rays players and coaches and former Rays Fred McGriff and Wade Boggs modeled the new uniforms and licensed team apparel. The festivities continued with a concert performance by entertainment star Kevin Costner and his band Modern West, and concluded with a fireworks show and a pyrotechnics-display of the new Rays logo. The event was presented by Champs Sports, The St Petersburg Times, and Bright House Networks.

"We are now the 'Rays' - a beacon that radiates throughout Tampa Bay and across the entire state of Florida," said Stuart Sternberg, the team's principal owner. "Tampa Bay and the Sunshine State are beautiful places. We want the Rays to reflect the best our region has to offer."

When Sternberg assumed his role as principal owner following the 2005 season, he asserted that a change to the team's identity was necessary. "As we enter our second decade of play, it is important that we express a classic, crisp, traditional baseball look," Sternberg said. "These new marks will have a positive effect on the franchise as we progress towards new levels of achievement and success."

Both the new home and away uniforms, as well as the team's new primary logo, feature the word "Rays" in navy blue lettering cast with a light blue shadow. A bright yellow sunburst gleams from the letter "R." The two hues of blue suggest the deep blue waters and bright blue sky for which Florida is known. The elongated tail of the "R" further reinforces the water imagery.

In the primary logo, the team name is set against a white baseball diamond with a prominent navy blue outline. The diamond features basepaths, bases and home plate outlined in light blue.

The team's new cap has a base color of navy blue and white "TB" lettering cast with a light blue shadow.

The "TB" lettering was custom designed for the team and was selected for its elegant simplicity and classic look.

The Rays new colors are unique within Major League Baseball. The Rays worked closely with Major League Baseball on the new design, along with conducting their own internal research with employees, fans, and local leaders.

While the name and uniform change send a clear message that the team is entering a new era, the organization will not remove all connection to its first ten years of play as the Devil Rays. An updated Devil Ray patch will continue to be worn on the left sleeve of the jersey. The team will also continue to operate its popular touch tank filled with live rays at Tropicana Field.

The change of marks and colors will extend throughout the organization. Both the exterior and interior of Tropicana Field will be updated to reflect the team's new look. Raymond, the team mascot, has also been updated.

In addition, the Rays official website has been changed to raysbaseball.com.

"Our new team name and new look express the vibrancy of our organization," said Rays President Matt Silverman. "The Tampa Bay Rays will shine, on the field and in our community. We will be a great source of pride for our region."




MY Feelings: For years they have been stuck with a lame name and a lame team. The ownership of Tampa's team seem to be really committed to changing the attitude and losing record of a franchise and town that deserve much better. Remember the Bucs were one of the losingest teams in the NFL and are now considered real contenders. Their is always hope.

Answer 5

I'm a Rays fan and I don't like it. I liked the "D-Rays" They shoulda spent some money on some pitchers instead of uniforms.

Weren't the Yankees once known as the Highlanders?

Answer 6

Well, technically they just truncated it...like the Knickerbockers shortening to the Knicks.

Good question though, I dont think anyone has changed their name completely, without moving.

Answer 7

when you are as bad as they are you will do anything. plus all the new merchandise they can sale, hahaha

Answer 8

....as they say, you can't put pearls on a pig!!!