Rays Closing Fast Enough?

I have been a Tampa Bay Rays fan since they started playing baseball in The Trop. At first they were the Devil Rays, but some people thought that was too dark and sinister. Living here in SC, I have still attended probably 25 games at the Trop. We watched them and followed them when a Libertarian had a better chance of being elected president than they did of posting a winning record.

We kept reading about all the young talent in the farm system, but it stayed there. Names like Josh Hamilton, Delmon Young, Elijah Dukes come immediately to mind. When they did make it up to The Show, they all screwed up big time. Now they are somewhere else and a new crop of talent has come up. Last year they made it to the World Series! This year, despite a slow start, the rays are on the move. At this writing, they are 3.5 games behind the Rangers and the Red Sox in the wild card race. They should be able to overtake both and make the playoffs. Let it be known to all concerned that I, Dick Ellenburg, will attend at least one playoff game if they do. Further, be advised that should the Rays make the World Series again, I will be there as well.

Carolyn and I have many memories at the Trop, including but not limited to watching the good teams, the Yankees, Red Sox, Braves; or Carolyn catching a foul ball with her knees holding a double handful of stadium food. I have a vivid memory of seeing another fan eyeing that baseball, then starting to reach for it. By that time it had rolled from her knees toward her crotch. My quick grocery store hands allowed me to get there first, keeping the ball and his hands off her. You can figure out for yourself what my highest motivation was. Both Carolyn and the baseball are safe at home here.

Another great memory involves Carolyn's late mom, Maude. My mother-in-law was a hardcore Rays fan. She watched them on TV every night, but she really loved going to the Trop to watch them in person. She went with us a lot. Whenever the Rays fell behind, as inevitably they would, she would say "It's over now." Whether the deficit was one run or ten, it was always the same. Then she pulled harder for them than I could believe. She lived and died with every pitch. Toward the end of her life, Carolyn's brother Gordon and I had the high honor and distinct privilege of accompanying this remarkable lady to the Trop for her final game. She loved being with us at the games. I think of her whenever I think of the Rays.

So there you have. I am a Rays fan, for better or worse. Last year proved that better is better than worse.