TAMPA, Fla. — As Junior Caminero settled into his new locker, the Tampa Bay Rays third baseman stumbled upon a bat left behind by Giancarlo Stanton. Down the line, pitcher Shane Baz was unaware his designated space was once Aaron Judge’s spring training territory at Steinbrenner Field.
Left without a home after Hurricane Milton ravaged the Tropicana Field roof on October 9, the Rays have temporarily taken up residence at Steinbrenner Field, a facility traditionally used by the New York Yankees for spring training. In a dramatic start, they claimed a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies, thanks to rookie Kameron Misner, who cracked his first major league home run in the ninth inning to break a tie.
“Dealing with the wind and needing sunglasses at a home opener felt a bit off,” remarked Rays manager Kevin Cash. “I’m going through my notes, trying to focus, while the wind is whipping around, which is quite uncommon for us. The shadows were also something new for a home game environment.”
The transformation of Steinbrenner Field into the Rays’ new hub involved replacing over 3,000 signs in a rapid 120-hour makeover following the Yankees’ last spring game. By the time the Rays took the field on a bright 82-degree day before a sellout crowd of 10,046, the stadium had been thoroughly Rays-ified. Banners now read “R-A-Y-S,” and images of players like Shane McClanahan adorned the scoreboard.
The clubhouse underwent significant modifications as well; Yankees symbols were concealed and replaced with Rays branding, including a starburst motif. The interior, formerly steeped in Yankee tradition, was revamped to make the Rays feel more at home, though some elements of the original decor, such as the Yankees frieze and other emblems, lingered.
Players enjoyed luxurious accommodations, far superior to those at the Trop, featuring extensive space with high-end amenities like a dual-level weight room, therapy pools, saunas, and expansive dining areas. Although the immense size and lavishness of the facility were acknowledged, it was a stark contrast to their usual environment.
Seeking convenience, some players chose to relocate their residences from St. Petersburg to Tampa, reducing their commute time significantly. Manager Kevin Cash found a personal note in his desk from Yankees counterpart Aaron Boone, expressing warm wishes for the upcoming season.
Despite the temporary adjustments, not all changes were seamless. Umpires adapted to new quarters, with their space adapted from a visitor’s area to a more distant location outfitted for the season.
The Rays’ history at Tropicana Field covers over 2,000 games, including postseason matchups. Yet, dwindling attendance figures underscore the necessity for new stadium considerations. The team recently backed out of plans for a new ballpark near their old venue, prompting Major League Baseball and local stakeholders to reassess future site options, such as a proposed stadium in Tampa’s Ybor City.
Among fans, there’s hope for a permanent stadium in Tampa. Tom Eifrid, a dedicated Rays attendee since 2007, emphatically supports the move given the improved travel time compared to their previous home.
The more intimate atmosphere at Steinbrenner Field, with its single-level configuration, promises an engaging environment for fans and players alike. There’s anticipation of lively games and post-home run fireworks shows to enhance the game-day experience.