As a Rays fan who experienced the Cowbell in the first World Series game, I’ll be the first to say how annoying the sounds of those Bells can be. In fact, there was a woman in front of me who was shaking those Bells all night long. She was getting some dirty looks from even the Rays fans. Make no mistake, but every baseball team who does not have the historic past will take any gimmick that would enable them to go where they have not gone before. The Cubs would go as far as having Steve Bartman throw out the first pitch if it meant a trip to the World Series. Up until a few years ago, the Red Sox would have had Bill Buckner thrown out the first pitch to break the Curse of the Bambino.
That is why this post by the folks at Mike Silva’s NY baseball digest have totally missed it on this posting. Sure, the Rays fan have their Cowbell. But, what about the Braves and their Tomahawk Chop? What about Pittsburgh and their Terrible Towels?
Another point he brings up is the knowledgeable fans in these big market cities like Phaldelphia and New York. The fact that Tampa did not entirely sell out the game, and many fans watched the game on television. This is comparing apples to oranges. People in the New York area have had decades of families who have grown up on their baseball teams. They have multiple championships to refelect on. Between the Bronx Bombers, the Amazin Mets, and catchy sayings like Ya Gotta Believe. Before the 2008 baseball season, what did the Rays have to reflect on?
All I can tell you is that the Rays franchise and its community (however infant it is) did it right in 2008. They didn’t give up their future to ensure a playoff spot. They went with their kids, and all things fell into place for their first time. Sure, you can find faults with how the fans and whatever you like, we’ll take another coming out party like we experienced n 2008 any day of the week. So, would 28 other teams.
P.S. The Rays were jynxed in playoffs with Vince Namoli throwing out the first pitch in World Series Game 1.
Filed under: American League, Around the Web, MLB, Mets, National League, Rays
David,
As the original writer of this article on NY Baseball Digest, I agree with many of the points you made. I do want to point out that my article had nothing to do with the management of the franchise, which the Rays did nothing short of an excellent job with, but the loyalty of the fan base. We will see how the fans react to team next year. Much like the Miami Heat after their title run a few years ago, if the Rays get off to a slow start in 2009, they will be playing in a 3/4 empty stadium by mid-May.
Tampa is no small town. I believe it is one of the top 20 markets in the country. But I truly believe the fans were drawn to the novelty of the EVENT that was the 2008 Rays, and, like the EVENT, the Cowbell will fade away quickly.
Thank you again for commenting on my article. Any further comments would be most appreciated.
Sincerely,
Jay Sorgen
Senior Writer
NY Baseball Digest