Latest news with #EvanLongoria
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Tampa Bay Rays honor Evan Longoria with a win that rewrites MLB record books
Image Source: Getty June 7, 2025, was a special day for the Tampa Bay Rays as they honoured their legendary player Evan Longoria while winning a big game. They beat the Miami Marlins 5-4, their 5th in a row, a new record in Major League Baseball history. It was a day of mixing the past with the present at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Rays celebrate Longoria's legacy with a historic victory On June 7, 2025, the Tampa Bay Rays bid farewell to their all-time 3B Evan Longoria with a one-day contract before their game vs the Miami Marlins. Longoria played 10 years with the Rays, threw out the first pitch to end his 16-year baseball career. He led the Rays to their first World Series in 2008, 3 All-Star appearances, 3 Gold Gloves, and the 2008 AL Rookie of the Year. That day, they won 5-4 and set a new team record for 5 in a row. This victory showed the team's strength and matched the winning spirit Longoria brought during his time. The game was a perfect way to honour him and proved the Rays are a strong team aiming for the playoffs, sitting second in the AL East. Longoria's impact shapes Rays' future ambitions Evan Longoria changed the Tampa Bay Rays forever, turning them from the Devil Rays into a winning team. Picked third in the 2006 draft, he holds team records for most games (1,435), home runs (261), RBIs (892), and runs (780). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mix 4 Kitchen Ingredients, Wake Up Thinner Every Morning Health Now Undo The famous walk-off home run he hit against the Yankees in 2011 gave the Rays a spot in the playoffs and is now remembered with a statue at Tropicana Field. Derek Jeter is supposed to be inducted into the Rays Hall of Fame in 2026, and his jersey might be retired. Also Read: Tension boils over as Yankees and Red Sox collide in series finale at Yankee Stadium Off the field, Longoria and his wife, Jaime, helped the community, setting an example for players today. As the Rays return to Tropicana Field next season, his impact will push new players to work hard. This special day showed the Rays can honour their past while aiming for big wins in the future, with their record-setting victory proving they are ready for more success.
Reuters
2 days ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Marlins halt skid with 11-10 win over Rays in extras
June 7 - Heriberto Hernandez had a pinch-hit RBI single in the 10th inning to lift the visiting Miami Marlins to a wild 11-10 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday. Miami bounced back from squandering a 10-6 lead and earned the advantage after Hernandez's base hit to shallow center field off Garrett Cleavinger (0-2) plated inherited runner Otto Lopez. Second baseman Xavier Edwards threw out Kameron Misner at the plate in the bottom of the 10th to help secure the win for Cade Gibson (1-3), who did not allow a hit over two scoreless innings. The Marlins evened the series at one win apiece and spoiled the day for the Rays, who saw Evan Longoria sign a ceremonial one-day contract and retire with the team. Miami's Jesus Sanchez belted a three-run homer and drove in five runs, Liam Hicks ripped a two-run double and Edwards also drove in two runs. Dane Myers added an RBI double for the Marlins, who snapped a five-game losing streak. Tampa Bay matched a season high with five homers, highlighted by Christopher Morel's power surge in which he launched a three-run blast in the second and a solo shot in the sixth. Taylor Walls belted a homer and drove in three runs, Danny Jansen added a two-run shot and Brandon Lowe had a solo homer for the Rays, who saw their four-game winning streak come to a halt. Miami erupted for six runs in the fifth to take a 10-6 lead before Tampa Bay responded with three runs in the sixth and another in the seventh to forge a tie. Morel capped his two-homer performance by launching a fly ball that sailed just inside the left field foul pole in the sixth. Walls added a two-run shot to right-center field in the sixth and Lowe leveled the contest with his blast to center field in the seventh. Morel's three-run homer and Walls' RBI double staked Tampa Bay to an early 4-0 lead. Edwards' double drove in a run and Sanchez's fifth homer of the season knotted the contest in the third. Jansen's blast to left field regained the advantage for the Rays before the Marlins countered with a big inning in the fifth. Edwards had an RBI single to drive starter Taj Bradley from the game, and Sanchez greeted Mason Montgomery with a double that drove in a pair. Hicks added a two-run double and scored on Myers' double to extend Miami's advantage to 10-6. --Field Level Media
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"A player's player. Congrats to Evan on a stellar career," Fan pour tribute in as Evan Longoria retires with Tampa Bay Rays
"A player's player. Congrats to Evan on a stellar career," Fan pour tribute in as Evan Longoria retires with Tampa Bay Rays (Image Source: Getty Images) Even as Evan Longoria retired on June 7, 2025, baseball fans still remember his historic Game 162 walk-off and the one-day contract he made with the Tampa Bay Rays, who helped him earn a spot in the Hall of Fame. This 39-year-old third baseman's incredible home run against the New York Yankees on September 28, 2011, will always be remembered as a highlight of Major League Baseball, showing the determination that both Evan Longoria and the Tampa Bay Rays had during his decade in St. Petersburg. Celebrating his retirement ceremony at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the significance of that night perfectly finishes his career, which changed the Tampa Bay Rays from a team that always struggled to one that reached the playoffs. Evan Longoria's Game 162 heroics still captivate baseball fans worldwide On September 28, 2011, the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees proved how fun and unexpected baseball's results can be. Sitting at 0-0 in the 12th inning of the Wild Card game, Evan Longoria had to face Cory Wade as the New York Yankees' reliever. Besides ensuring a place in the playoffs for the Tampa Bay Rays, the walk-off home run made for one of the most memorable nights in baseball, due to the Red Sox losing to the Orioles. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Groom's Surprise Left Everyone in Tears—Especially His Bride Read More Undo Fan reactions on social media demonstrate the lasting impact of that unforgettable evening. Stephany James (@StephanyJames18) tweeted: "That was a night to remember! Congratulations to Evan Longoria for an amazing career and game 162! All the best to Evan and his family!" This tweet directly celebrated Evan Longoria's career achievement and his most career-defining moment. After retirement, the ceremony concluded with fans flooding social media with heartfelt messages. Meanwhile, Scotty (@ScottyBseball) emphasised the historical significance: "Game162 was the greatest like hour of mlb ever. If No1 knows about that night, YouTube 'game 162'. Truly phenomenal." Fabs celebrated Evan Longoria's incredible journey with the franchise. The range of comments on the retirement posts clearly shows their fierce loyalty towards the former Tampa Bay Rays third baseman. Besides, what's particularly touching is how supporters connected his retirement to that legendary Game 162 moment Some fans even went ahead to say that Longoria's retirement marks the end of an era for clutch performances and championship-calibre leadership. Even rival team supporters showed respect, with one New York Yankees fan admitting Urban Shocker (@UrbainShockcor) added an interesting perspective as a Yankees fan: "As a Yankee fan, I cheered wildly for the Rays in this game because of what it set up." This cross-team appreciation highlights how Evan Longoria's moment transcended traditional rivalries. Tampa Bay Rays honor Evan Longoria's legacy with emotional retirement ceremony Evan Longoria's retirement ceremony with the Tampa Bay Rays showed how talented he was, as he recorded 342 homers, drove in 1,149 runs, and had a bWAR of 58.9 in his career. During his years in Tampa Bay, Upton was selected for three All-Star Games, got three Gold Glove Awards, earned one Silver Slugger Award, and was named the 2008 American League Rookie of the Year. His achievements went further than just himself, as he led the Tampa Bay Rays to the World Series in 2008 and helped them make the playoffs in many years of the 2010s. In 2026, at Tropicana Field, the franchise will include Longoria in the Rays Hall of Fame to keep his memory alive. MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) highlighted the significance of the moment, posting: "Relive Evan Longoria's heroic walk-off home run in Game 162 next on MLB Network as the 3x All-Star and 2008 Rookie of the Year is set to retire as a Ray this afternoon!" Fans can catch highlights of Evan Longoria's career and Game 162 heroics on MLB Network and while the Tampa Bay Rays continue their 2025 season at Tropicana Field. Also Read: Colton Gordon's electric debut fuels Astros' victory over Guardians Evan Longoria's retirement marks the end of an era for Tampa Bay Rays baseball, but his Game 162 legacy ensures his heroic moment will inspire future generations of players and fans alike.
New York Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
As Blue Jays head to Tampa, here's why Tropicana Field (mostly) won't be missed
TORONTO — Tropicana Field was all fun for a 10-year-old Bo Bichette. Sitting in the stands for a 2008 American League Championship Series game between the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays, Bichette felt the full crowd. As cownose stingrays swam in the right field tank, cowbells rang out each time Carl Crawford or Evan Longoria reached base. But when Bichette first played at the Trop during his rookie season, 11 years later, it wasn't the same. Advertisement 'The vibe was different,' Bichette said. 'Obviously there wasn't a lot of fans, it was a little darker in there. It just didn't feel much like a ballpark.' For the Toronto Blue Jays, the different vibe of Tropicana Field spilled over onto the scoreboard. Since Bichette's 2019 debut, the Blue Jays are 18-32 when visiting the Rays. Toronto's franchise is 92-144 all-time at Tropicana Field, a winning percentage of just .390. The Jays won't have a shot to improve that record this season — and they're not exactly heartbroken about it. Instead of another date at what's been a house of horrors, the Blue Jays open a three-game set against the Rays on Friday across the bay at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Because Hurricane Milton tore the fiberglass roof membrane off Tropicana Field last October, the Rays are playing all home games at the New York Yankees' spring training facility this year. With a season away from the stadium, and Tropicana's long-term future uncertain, Blue Jays players reflected on what made the ballpark unique — and difficult. 'I don't even know if there's a word to describe it,' Daulton Varsho said. 'It's just … different.' The cream-coloured roof tormented outfielders like Varsho. There are specific ground rules governing balls hit into catwalks below the ceiling, but the hardest part of fielding at the Trop is the baseball-toned facing. For Varsho, it's like every fly ball is hit directly into the sun. 'I just remember a couple balls that went up into the ceiling,' Varsho said. 'And you're like 'where did it go?' And then you're just running to a spot and hoping it comes out.' Chris Bassitt, who has made five career appearances at Tropicana, called it 'playing in a tent.' He's lost fly balls in the roof and scaffolding, but Bassitt's real struggle with the Trop is the mound. Major League Baseball mounds are regularly measured and required to be a uniform height, exactly 10 inches tall, but Bassitt claims Tropicana Field's pitching bump feels much taller. Other pitchers around the league have made similar observations. Advertisement If you know how to use it, Bassitt said, the higher mound enhances the spin on pitches. While Bassitt's release point at Tropicana Field wasn't higher than normal in 2024, two of the righty's five highest spin pitches came at Tampa Bay. Closer Jeff Hoffman agreed the Trop's mound is 'massive.' It's his favorite pitching bump in baseball, he said, because it increases the induced vertical break on his four-seam fastball. But it's the consequences of that raised rubber Bassitt worries about, as he feels it temporarily messes up his pitching mechanics. Over the last three seasons, Bassitt has a 6.19 ERA in starts immediately after pitching in Tropicana Field. Kevin Gausman and José Berríos also have post-Trop ERAs over 5.00. 'The way that you're pitching, the way you're landing, where your body's reacting,' Bassitt said, 'is completely different than I would say normal. So, yeah, I think you definitely had a lot of 'all right, I gotta figure out my mechanics again' and make sure they're lined up for a normal mound, so to speak.' Tropicana Field is hard on the Blue Jays' bats, too. During the previous five years, Toronto hit just .234 at Tampa Bay, with a .385 slugging percentage. At every other park, those marks were .256 and .423. Multiple Toronto batters cited Tampa Bay's consistently great pitching for those offensive struggles, but Bichette and Varsho also mentioned the ballpark's dark lighting as another offensive roadblock. Per Baseball Savant's park factors, pitchers at Tropicana have produced above-average strikeouts each of the last 18 years. 'You just didn't see it as well,' Varsho said. 'From a hitter's perspective.' Maybe Steinbrenner Field will be kinder, though there are aspects of Tropicana Field the Blue Jays will miss. Varsho praised the new turf installed before the 2024 season. Bichette enjoys playing at the venue, he said, as it's close to home. Ernie Clement, who leads active Toronto hitters with a .281 average at the Trop, enjoys the stadium's 'relaxing vibe.' Clement also noted it was one of the best dirt infields in baseball — never a bad hop. But the Blue Jays' record there doesn't lie: Tropicana Field isn't their venue. 'I'm not too sad that it's gone,' Bassitt said. (Top photo of Tropicana Field on March, 28, 2024: Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images)
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Evan Longoria to Retire as Tampa Bay Rays Player
Evan Longoria provided plenty of big hits during his tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays. He continued playing in MLB after leaving the Rays, but most fans connect him with the franchise. Now, after making his decision to retire from baseball, Longoria will officially retire as a Tampa Bay Ray. Longoria will sign a one-day contract with the Rays and leave his MLB career on June 7. There will be a special pre-game ceremony featuring Longoria and his family before the Rays play the Miami Marlins at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Take a look at some of these numbers Longoria put up as a Ray, according to In 10 seasons with Tampa Bay, Longoria became the team's all-time leader in WAR (51.7), games played (1,435), home runs (261), RBI (892), runs (780), extra-base hits (618) and walks (569). Evan Longoria captured 2008 American League Rookie of the Year award In addition, Longoria was the 2008 American League Rookie of the Year, a three-time All-Star and Gold Glove Award winner, and finished within the top 10 of the AL MVP voting three times. Advertisement 'Tampa always felt like my home. The three places that I played (Tampa Bay, San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks), obviously played the longest there, and it's really always felt like the place that I should retire,' Longoria said. 'Especially with not ever really having the opportunity to come back as a player, as an opposing player, it just seemed like this is the best way for closure.' Tampa Bay president of baseball operations Erik Neander offered some nice thoughts about Longoria and his time with the franchise. 'Evan Longoria's place in Rays history is unmatched,' Neander said in a statement. 'Evan leaves the game as our all-time leader in nearly every major offensive category. He not only defined an era of Rays baseball – he helped put us on the map. His impact, both on and off the field, laid the foundation for our success, and it's a privilege to celebrate his legacy.' Don't be surprised if the Rays retire Longoria's No. 3 jersey. No other player has worn that number since he left the organization. It would be a fitting salute to one of the great Tampa Bay players.
