Back to the Rays Report

Roger Mooney

Roger Mooney covers the Tampa Bay Rays for The Tampa Tribune, TBO.com and News Channel 8. He has covered the Rays since their first season in 1998, including 11 years for the Bradenton Herald. Roger has also covered Florida, South Florida and Florida State football, the Bucs and the Lightning.

 @RMooneyTrib
 TBO_Rays
Send us your questions

More Links:

• Schedule/Results
• Player Stats
• Team Stats

Most Recent Entries

• Rays @ O’s: Rays on FOX game of the week
• Seffner Christian’s Hanson picks Liberty
• Current Baseball America prospect list boasts five locals
• Rays @ O’s: Hellickson returns to mound to start trip
• Former Newsome tennis standout, Hersh, named POY
• Bishop McLaughlin sophomore OH Alyssa Mathis commits to San Diego State
• Rays v BoSox: Price looks for 2nd win, Escobar moved to 5th in order
• Area athletes sign and commit to colleges
• Steinbrenner announces athletic signings
• Mitchell P/INF Chris McCormick commits to PHCC
• Three Hudson girls soccer players, including first the Division I scholarship, to sign Friday
• Connors holds serve in autobiography
• Allergies might be behind Price’s poor start
• Holy Names’ Martin picks TCU
• Rays v BoSox: Jennings returns, Rays looking for 6th straight W

More

• Bucs Report -Tribune staff
• Rays Report - Roger Mooney
• Bolts Report - Erik Erlendsson
• Bulls Report
• Prep Report - Hillsborough
• Prep Report - Pasco
• Prep Report - Region
• Prep Report - Recruiting Updates
• Prep Report - Football
• Go Fishing: On The Waterfront
• The Sports Bookie - Bob D'Angelo
• Gators Report - Tribune staff
• Youth Sports Report
• NFL Draft Report
• Go Ask: Frank's Tacklebox
• Bucified Bert Blog
• BUK Power - Bucs Fan Blog
• Pigskin Preacher - NFL Fan Blog
• Breakfast Bonus - Tom McEwen
• Highlands Sports

Monthly Archives

• May 2013
• April 2013
• March 2013
• February 2013
• January 2013
• December 2012

More information on Rays Fan Fest, Feb. 16 at the Trop

Posted Feb 7, 2013 by Roger Mooney

Updated Feb 7, 2013 at 06:35 PM

More information on Rays Fan Fest, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 16 at Tropicana Field. Admission and parking is free:

There will be youth stations include clinics by Rays coaches, “Reading with the Rays,” running the bases’ a high-five station, interactive activities for all ages; and photo opportunities with Rays mascot Raymond and DJ Kitty, hitting and pitching clinics will be held throughout the day allowing kids to receive free instruction from the Rays major league coaching staff.

Tickets to Rays Manager Joe Maddon’s traditional Thanksmas meal during Fan Fest are still available. All proceeds benefit the Rays Baseball Foundation. Those attending this year’s Thanksmas meal will also have a chance to partake in an exclusive question and answer session with Hall of Fame baseball writer and MLB Network analyst Peter Gammons.

In addition, Gammons will join fellow MLB Network personality Sam Ryan on the Pepsi Stage for a panel discussion.

To promote “Reading with the Rays,” the club’s summer reading program, Rays players will read select stories to kids.

Fan Fest will feature numerous interactive activities for children and families.  The MOR Kids Interactive Zone allows fans to interact with players while they swing away in a big league batting cage, try out their fastball in the speed pitch booth and swing for the fences in the Wiffle Ball Home Run Derby.  Other interactive activities include the MLB 2K station, the “Home to First” challenge, Pop-A-Shot booth, a horse race carnival game and Family Feud.

Sweetbay Supermarket High Five Station will once again allow kids to run the bases and receive high fives from players as they cross home plate.  In the afternoon, fans will be treated to the Rays Runway on the stage when Rays players and two lucky fans will show off the latest Rays fashions from the Team Store, including new items from Majestic.

Fans are encouraged to stop by the MetroPCS Call-A-Friend station to have the opportunity for Rays players Jeremy Hellickson, Desmond Jennings, Matt Moore or Sean Rodriguez to call a friend or family member.  Rays broadcasters and special guests will hold panel discussions and clubhouse tours will be offered throughout the day.

The Rays Charity Yard Sale returns for a second year giving fans the opportunity to purchase unique game-used and autographed memorabilia dating back to the inaugural season.  All proceeds benefit the Rays Baseball Foundation.  Between the Rays Charity Yard Sale, Thanksmas, and autograph sales at the 2012 Rays Fan Fest, over $100,000 was raised to benefit the Salvation Army, the ALS Association Florida Chapter and the Rays Baseball Foundation.  This year’s Rays Charity Yard Sale will feature autographed jerseys from the 2008 World Series, Turn Back the Clock memorabilia from past seasons, along with several other unique Rays items.

Fans have the option to purchase a $50 wristband which grants the opportunity to get autographs from Rays players.  All proceeds benefit the ALS Association Florida Chapter.  Rays TV and radio broadcasters and more than 25 former major league players will also sign autographs for free throughout the day.

Once again, this year’s Fan Fest will include the Exclusive Signing Opportunity that will guarantee an autograph from a specific Rays player.  With the purchase of this exclusive offer, fans also receive a wristband for the general autograph line.  For more information or to purchase an Exclusive Signing Opportunity, please visit raysbaseball.com.  Proceeds benefit the Rays Baseball Foundation.

Rays ticket sales personnel will be available to assist fans throughout the day in the purchase of season tickets, group tickets and a special Fan Fest pack offer.