Tampa Bay Devil Rays to Possibly Change Nickname

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A couple of things jumped out at me from this article from the St Petersburg Times. One was that I couldn't believe that next year will mark this franchise's tenth anniversary. They still seem like a new team to me. The other was that if they drop the "Devil" only, they'll be the Tampa Bay Rays. Surely they won't do that. Regardless, it looks like they're hoping to shed the image they've established as a losing organization. It will take more than new duds and a new name to accomplish it, however.

Tampa Bay Devils Rays to Possibly Change Nickname

Name could be big change

By MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer

ST. PETERSBURG - The team on the field might not reflect it, but the Devil Rays organization is undergoing significant change.

With a fresh approach and attitude under the new ownership and management, there are millions being spent to upgrade the facility and improve the fan experience. There are creative executives being hired, and holdover ones being empowered. There are all kinds of innovative concepts (clean restrooms! a decent sound system!) floating around along with new ideas, such as plans for a huge touch tank of live rays on the right-centerfield patio.

Bigger news might be coming.

Top officials are privately talking about ideas that would change the entire look and identity of the team for the 2007 season - from the name to the colors to the logos to the uniforms.

At the least, it seems likely the word "Devil" will be dropped, as it already is in some official team references. Then a decision has to be made whether to continue associating Rays with the sea creatures or to connect with the sun. Or there could be a new name, such as the Tampa Bay Tarpons.

The name issue likely will drive the others, and it reasons that if one is changed they all will be, and done neatly to commemorate what will be marketed as the 10th anniversary season.

Discussions are very much preliminary. Concepts have to be designed. Focus groups need to be convened. MLB officials have to be consulted. Procedures must be followed, including a March 31 deadline to notify MLB of a possible change and details by May 31. Decisions have to be made.

The team on the field in 2007 is expected to be considerably better. From the sound of the whispers, it will look considerably different too.

[pedro]

I think they should call themselves the rayjays.

[max venable]

If you ask me, I think their lineup has HUGE potential. In fact, in my fantasy league, there were way more D-Rays drafted than Reds.

Outfield: Gomes, Baldelli, and Crawford, Hollins

Infield: Cantu, Huff, Lugo, Burroughs

I think they could be pretty darn good...at least offensively.

[klw]

No if only they could also get the Blue Jays to change their uniform so toronto doesn't look like Tampa anymore.

[smith288]

Tampa Bay Tampons
Tampa Bay Gays
Tampa Bay Gay Bays

They need a new marketing firm...

[KronoRed]

Bandits

They won.

[cumberlandreds]

I always thought Sting Rays would have been a good nickname. Nobody knows what a devil ray is?

[Chip R]

How about the Cellar Dwellers?

[UKFlounder]

The Tampa BayWatches

Just think of the marketing possibilities in Germany with Hasselhoff involved

[Johnny Footstool]

Or there could be a new name, such as the Tampa Bay Tarpons.

Hilarious!

[Joseph]

I think they need to start the look completely from scratch. Don't just be the 'Rays' cause that sounds silly.

[WVRed]

Tampa Bay Gays

If I could get Photoshop to work, id love to make a logo for this.

[MartyFan]

This team is only a few arms away from being more than interesting in their division...and yes, I think if they had a couple of arms on their team now they could contend neck and neck with the BoSox and Yankees.

[DropDocK]

That's nice. Let me know when the franchise folds.

[minus5]

I think they should call themselves the rayjays.

OoooH....He could be the mascot

Attachment 3440

But ya doesn't has ta call him Johnson