World Series Wrap: Rays’ll Get’um Next Year!

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria watches the final outs of his team's 10-2 loss in game three of the World Series. (Gary W. Green / Orlando Sentinel / October 26, 2008)

The Rays did not win the World Series….but you know what, it’s ok. Thinking about how far the Rays have come in just one year makes it more than ok. It was a year of firsts for the bay area, first world series, first playoff birth, first winning season! Through out the roller coaster ride that was the Ray’s historic season, a city was swept off its feet, and made to fall in love with the game of baseball.

The White Sox gave us a taste of what was to come in the playoffs, including our first post season loss, a very disheartening experience. The Red Sox made us realize what the post season is really about. After going 3-1, Tampa was ready to call the Rays a sure thing, but let me tell you, the last three games of the ALCS were the most stressful days of my life. Game 7, David Price on the mound…unreal…I think some knew that that was our world series.

Even though the Rays lost, there were some sweet moments in the past week. I had the opportunity to go home for games one and two, and the atmosphere was electric. I won’t lie to you, it was a weird feeling, game one of the World Series at the Trop…pigs were flying over the fat lady singing the national anthem that night. Game two was great, although boring, and getting a win really gave the series some legitimacy. So, all and all, I’m proud of our Rays…America’s team…ok not quite, but a legendary team none the less. Props to the Phillies though, they deserve it, last time they won not even the St. Petersburg Pelican’s were a glimmer in their mother’s eye.

There will be no crying in Tampa this year, our team is young, strong, and now VERY well motivated, and for the first time ever, the Ray’s can officially say WE”LL GET’UM NEXT YEAR! -Matt Leach, Special to Bobby vs. the World