TAMPA, Fla. – Head groundskeeper Dan Moeller and his crew rolled out the tarp for the first time at Steinbrenner Field on Saturday afternoon. Because of a threat of rain that pushed the start time back from 4:10 to 4:35, the Rays had their first-ever home weather delay.
The Rays, playing the middle game of a three-game series against the Brewers, played one series in Orlando in 2007 and 2008 without the need for a tarp. Hence, history was made on Saturday. To commemorate the event, the Rays gave out ponchos marked “First Rays Rain Delay.” Not a single drop fell by first pitch, though there was rain five miles to the north.
READ: Rays’ Ineptitude At Steinbrenner Field Is Mind-Boggling
The tarp, which was placed on the infield at 3:10, did not stay on long. It was removed at 3:25, the infield was raked, and the batter’s box and foul lines chalked.
The delayed first pitch announcement was made a few minutes before 4:00, and Rays history was made.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
