The Tampa Bay Rays are an American professional baseball team based in the Tampa Bay area. The team began play in Major League Baseball (MLB) in 1998 and has since become a prominent member of the league. They initially started as the "Tampa Bay Devil Rays" but shortened their name to the "Tampa Bay Rays" in 2008.
Competing in Major League Baseball as a member club of the American League (AL) East Division, the Tampa Bay Rays have experienced success over the years. They have won four AL East Division titles, in the years 2008, 2010, 2020, and 2021. In recent years, the Bay Rays have established themselves as strong contenders for the World Series Championship.
The Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, is their home ballpark. They have been playing there since the inception of the organization.
Who is the mascot for the Tampa Bay Rays?
The Tampa Bay Rays have three mascots, Raymond, DJ Kitty and Stinger. Raymond is a large, furry, blue creature with a long snout and a baseball for a nose. DJ Kitty, on the other hand, is a catchy character of a cat wearing Rays gear and headphones, spinning music. Stinger is a stingray chartered mascot who has a cow nose.
Raymond's History
Raymond, the mascot of the Tampa Bay Rays, was introduced during the team's inaugural season in 1998. He is affectionately referred to as a "seadog" due to his playful and energetic personality. Raymond made his first debut on June 21, 1998, in a game against the Red Sox.
In the beginning, Raymond's character was more traditional, sporting a baseball uniform and a baseball cap. However, in 2011, Raymond underwent a complete makeover, embracing a more modern and youthful appearance. His animal-like features, such as his fuzzy face resembling a walrus and his bulbous blue belly likening him to a mutant manatee.
Raymond now wears a blue and green fursuit and has a more animated personality. After each Rays win at home, Raymond waves a large "Rays Win" flag in the outfield, building excitement and team spirit.
| Mascot | Facts |
| Name | Raymond |
| Team | Tampa Bay Rays |
| MLB Debut | June 21, 1998 |
| Position | Upright and locked |
DJ Kitty’s History
DJ Kitty made its first appearance back in 2010 at Tropicana Field, where the Tampa Bay Rays play their home games. The idea for DJ Kitty originally stemmed from a viral video created by a dedicated Rays fan, showcasing a cat spinning tunes to a popular song remix. This video quickly captured the hearts of many fans and became quite popular.
Initially, DJ Kitty was introduced through a video that would play on the scoreboard whenever the game situation called for a rally. In the video, a large anthropomorphic cat, wearing a Rays jersey, would appear on the screen wielding a turntable similar to those used by rap DJs. The crowd loved the energy and excitement that DJ Kitty brought to the game, and it quickly became a tradition.
Known for its catchy attire, DJ Kitty is often seen sporting Rays themed attire like jerseys and hats. The character has seamlessly integrated into the team's identity and has become an essential part of the overall fan experience at Rays games.
| Mascot | Facts |
| Name | DJ Kitty |
| Team | Tampa Bay Rays |
| MLB Debut | 2010 |
| Position | DDJ Designated Disc Jockey |
Stinger’s History
Stinger is also the official mascot of the Tampa Bay Rays. Since making his debut in 2014, Stinger has become a beloved part of the Rays organization, bringing a vibrant and energetic presence to Rays games and community events.
As the mascot, Stinger represents the team's stingray logo and embodies the spirit of the Rays with his playful and engaging personality.
| Mascot | Facts |
| Name | Stinger |
| Team | Tampa Bay Rays |
| MLB Debut | 2014 |
| Position | Designated Greeter |
Tampa Bay Rays Mascot Funny Incidents
During games, Tampa Bay Rays mascots Raymond, DJ Kitty and Stinger have several funny incidents while interacting with fans, players, and coaches. One particularly memorable moment involving DJ Kitty occurred when his playful acts accidentally caused a delay in the game.
As part of his routine, DJ Kitty jumped off the dugout onto the field, attempting to land gracefully. However, things didn't quite go as planned. Instead of landing smoothly on his feet, DJ Kitty slipped and tumbled onto the grass. The sight of DJ Kitty suddenly losing his balance brought laughter to the faces of everyone.
FAQ's on Tampa Bay Rays Mascot
A. The mascots for the Tampa Bay Rays are Raymond and DJ Kitty.
A. Raymond is a large, furry blue creature with a smile and expressive eyes.
A. DJ Kitty is a black and white cat who wears a backward cap. He is often seen spinning records and entertaining the crowd with his DJ skills.
A. Raymond has been the official mascot of the Tampa Bay Rays since the team's inception in 1998, while DJ Kitty made its debut in 2010.
A. Raymond likes belly dancing, hugs, hot dogs, doing flips, full contact shuffle board, poodle shaving, extreme chess, reading, and kids.
A. Stinger was introduced in 2014 and hails from the Gulf of Mexico. He's a designated Greeter, throws high-fives, and catches up with fans at the Ray Tank on Sundays. Moreover, Stinger can’t swin.
