Longo Gets His Due

The Tampa Bay Rays have been around since 1998. When you ask somebody to mention a Rays player, usually the first name that comes to mind is Evan Longoria. He's considered by many, and rightfully so, to be the greatest player in Rays history. This summer, he's getting his just due. He's signing a one day contract, so he can retire formally as a Ray.

Longo was drafted 3rd overall in 2006 by the Rays. He made his debut at the start of the 2008 season. He stayed in Tampa for 10 years, playing through 2017. From 2018 to 2022, Longo moved to San Francisco to play with the Giants. He finished his final season in 2023 in Arizona with the Diamondbacks. His best years and prime years were with Tampa and he did it all for the Rays.

On June 7th against the Miami Marlins, the Rays will hold a special pre game ceremony for Longoria. He will sign his one day contract and retire as a member of the Rays.

He won Rookie of the Year in 2008, was a three time all star, a three time gold glover and a silver slugger in Tampa. In those years in Tampa, he set the Rays records for games played (1,435), runs scored (780), RIB's (892), walks (569), doubles (338), home runs (261), extra base hits (618) and he's second in hits at 1,471 (trailed only Carl Crawfored at 1,480).

The biggest swing of his career was in 162. The game and home run that propelled the Rays to the AL Wild Card in 2011. At some point in time, Longoria will have his #3 retired by the team and be inducted into the Rays Hall of Fame. Hopefully both happen sooner rather than later. There's no doubt in anybody's mind that when Evan Longoria gets mentioned, its with his time in Tampa. He could pretty much do it all for this team and became the best player to ever way a Rays uniform. And yes that includes some of the great pitchers that this team has had as well.

When it comes to hitters, the Rays have had some good ones. Crawford, Carlos Pena, Fred McGriff, Aubrey Huff, Ben Zobrist, B.J. Upton. Longo is not only up there, but he's at the top of that list. Congratulations Longo on getting to go out your way!