It’s been 50 years since every MLB team has played on baseball’s Opening Day.
One would have to go back to 1968 when the league was made up of just 20 teams to find the last time. Today, history was made and “America’s Past Time” returned for the 2018 season.
At Tropicana Field, the Rays welcome in the Boston Red Sox on Thursday afternoon. The first in a four-game series to kick off the new season. What would an Opening Day be without a little excitement, right? Well, the excitement began a bit early.
A small grease fire broke out on the 300 level early this morning.
Rays President, Brian Auld, addressed the incident and wasn’t the least bit concerned it would affect the festivities or game at all.
Another sell out
For the 13th consecutive year, the Rays have sold out Opening Day. That’s the longest streak of any of the three pro teams in the area. The even better news? When playing in front of 30,000 or more fans, the Rays are 50-21 since 2008.
Take that for what it’s worth.
Foley throws first
The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown out today by Rays special assistant, baseball operations, Tom Foley. He’s entering his 23rd season with the organization and the last 16 as a coach on the big league club.
A familiar yet unfamiliar lineup
Kevin Cash has thrown together a lineup today that’s quite a bit different from what fans are used to. Third base hitting lead-off?
First official lineups of 2018! #Rays #RaysUp #Rays2020 #OpeningDay2018 #OpeningDay pic.twitter.com/FW2ZMS36yi
— The Scrum Sports (@TheScrumSports) March 29, 2018
Quite the makeover
Only ten players made the Rays Opening Day roster this year from last year on the same day.
Pitchers: Matt Andriese, Chris Archer, Alex Colome, Austin Pruitt, Blake Snell
Catcher: Jesus Sucre
Infielders: Brad Miller, Daniel Robertson
Outfielders: Kevin Kiermaier, Mallex Smith
The DL consisted of Matt Duffy, Nathan Eovaldi, and Wilson Ramos on Opening Day 2017.
First pitch is set for 4:00 PM with Archer facing off against Chris Sale.
