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The
Tampa
Bay Devil Rays entered the American League in 1998, prompting the
Milwaukee Brewers to change leagues to make room.
The Rays were the first expansion team to enter the
AL since the Mariners and Blue Jays were added in
1977.
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- The first few years of
Tampa history were no more successful than those two
teams early years. The Rays also became the first
team to hold spring training in their home city,
training in St. Petersburg. It all began on March
31, 1998 with a 11-6 loss to the Detroit Tigers in
Tampa Bay's first regular season major league game.
Hall of Famers Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Al Lopez,
and Monte Irvin threw out ceremonial first pitches.
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The most exciting event in franchise history came in
1999 when Wade Boggs homered for his 3,000th hit on
August 7, 1999 in
Tropicana Field, the
home of the
Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
The Devil Rays are depending upon their farm system to
compensate for free agent losses in 2005. Don't miss the
opportunity to visit Tampa and the renovated
Tropicana Field sports & shopping complex. Reserve
your Tampa Bay Devil Rays tickets now!
Buy Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Tickets
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