Back in February as spring training was ready to get started, the media “experts” made their predictions. ESPN, The Athletic, MLB Network and all the others had our Rays as a last place team that would be lucky to win 75 games. Again, they downplayed the talent on the team, including Junior, the small payroll, the “terrible” off season moves like Nick Martinez and on and on they went. Some even said that the Rays would be out of contention by the All Star break and that manager Kevin Cash would be let go.

But real, down to earth, honest and devout Rays fans didn’t quite see it that way. While they felt it would be a tough year, the believed in their Rays to where they would not be a last place team and could finish at .500 or a little better. I was one of them who felt they could get to .500 and with a few breaks maybe even get to 85-86 wins. But like the majority of Rays fans I never expected to see what would transpire over the next 6 months.

Once the season got underway the Rays were out to show MLB and the ‘experts” they were wrong. One thing became very  evident right from day one, the chemistry. This was a “team’ not a bunch of individuals playing on the same team and wearing the same uniform. The camaraderie was evident on almost every play, every at bat, every pitch. The dugout was a lightning rod and everyone was involved in the game. Rarely a frown, always a player or two to slap a guy on the back, crack a joke or do something to keep it light hearted. Among the players the biggest cheerleader was Junior Caminero and among the pitchers it was Nick Martinez, but everyone was a part of it, not only on the field, but off the field as well. On the road they went out to dinner in groups, not individuals, They did things together, their families became close and through it all a family was built with this group. It didn’t matter if a new player was called up for a day or a week, they were immediately family. All of that love and caring for one another was also a reason for how they played on the field and were able to do all they did over 162 games.

The records they set individually, team wise and MLB wise were incredible. Best record in the AL, 3^rd best in MLB, Yandy led the AL in hits, Simpson led in stolen bases and also finished second in the batting title race at .306. Then there were the awesome numbers put up by Junior, 42 HR, 101 RBI (some actually doubting he could match 2025), the knockout pitching from Rasmussen with 16 wins, Martinez (that terrible trade!) with 15 wins and a clubhouse leader, Baker with 41 saves and on and on the numbers go. Lets not forget the big contributions by Aranda and others. Then there was the addition of Victor Mesa Jr. and all that he has showed, power, speed, defense and his spark lit the fuse even more. Then the trade deadline that got us catcher Liam Hicks, RP Tyler Wells and SP Freddy Peralta (a big mistake according the experts), but who’s laughing now? All three major additions to the Rays.

Through it all from day one to day 162, teams never knew what to expect from the Rays. Cash was always tinkering trying different combos and styles with his players. It might be small ball, it might be long ball, it might be both or it could be something totally unexpected and different. The opposition never knew what to expect. It was exciting, fun to watch and the reason they led the league in comeback wins. The ongoing tinkering with the pitching from Kyle Snyder and getting the pitchers to buy in to the “change up” routine and it has paid off big time for both stars and relievers, ask Freddy Peralta!

I could go on, but you get the idea. Back at the Trop, new ownership, the promise of a new “forever home” in Tampa, a growing fan base, exciting players coming in the future and a team on a mission. That was the mantra from spring training on, this is THE year it will all come together and happen.

They won the AL East, step one, now comes step two, the ALDS that starts Saturday, then step three the ALCS and finally step four the World Series. They know what is needed to be done and as they have so many times in this 98 win season, they will conquer the odds and continue to make the “experts” foolish. They got screwed by the “rain game” in 2008, they lost in 2020, but this is THE year it all comes together with the Rays being the world champs of MLB in 2026! Damn, I do love a parade………..RAYS UP!!

Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN (And devout Rays fan since 1995)