High school baseball coaches constantly instruct their hitters to make every plate appearance count. Former Bishop McLaughlin player Marcel Duarte appears to have taken that advice. ...more

July 13, 2008

When Dan Wheeler struck out Jason Varitek for the final out of the Rays' 7-6 victory against the Red Sox on Wednesday night, Raymond the mascot strutted onto the field extending a broom toward the orange-lit roof. ...more

July 4, 2008

OKEECHOBEE — It's never easy against Okeechobee. The first-round game between Sebring and Okeechobee in the Dixie 14-year-old boys District 8 tournament was dominated by outstanding pitching and stellar defensive plays by both teams. But in the end, it came down to Okeechobee's Noah Wilcox and his shirt. Wilcox –– or, more correctly –– his shirt was brushed by a pitch from Sebring reliever Zach Osha with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning to force in Justin Morgan for a 2-1 Okeechobee victory. The close call brought an uproar from the Sebring fans and coaches, but the run counted to end the game. ...more

June 30, 2008

Leadoff hitters traditionally are expected to take some pitches and get on base. The Rays don't have anyone better at those endeavors than B.J. Upton, so it made sense for the center fielder to get the call with the team in temporary need of a leadoff man. ...more

June 29, 2008

A few weeks ago, Hall of Famer Frank Robinson, one of the greats, stopped by Tropicana Field. ...more

June 23, 2008

Rocco Baldelli's potential journey back to the bigs began with a solid performance in a Florida State League game Monday night at Holman Stadium. ...more

June 17, 2008

When it was over and tears were being wiped on baseball jerseys, the old coach said he never had worked with a better group of young men in all his years. ...more

June 17, 2008

Ever have one of those trips? The kind with two flat tires? Where the air conditioning in the car goes kaput right when the temperature hits 97? Where you think you left your wallet at the last rest stop? Where you drive around lost for an hour, and when you finally ask for directions the guy just laughs? ...more

June 14, 2008

A relentless, chilly rain that soaked Fenway Park from morning 'til sundown Wednesday set a somber tone for one of the toughest days the Tampa Bay Rays have experienced during this coming-of-age season. ...more

June 5, 2008

There are going to be days like this for the Rays, even if they roll on and on into September and beyond. The trick will be to limit the number of these days, especially against this team. Especially at this place. ...more

June 4, 2008