Rays fan in Braves Country

Just thought I'd share my story of being a Rays fan!

I am from Alabama and most people around here are Braves fan. As a kid, I cheered for the greats such as Sammy Sosa and Chipper Jones and what not. One year, it was playoffs and my dad and I decided to pick a random team to cheer for since the Braves weren't in it. So, I called my grandfather in Inverness, FL and asked who he was cheering for. He lit up with excitement and said well the Rays of course! I said okay and chose them. That year was 2008. Even though we all know how that story ended, that was when my story began.

I got hooked watching them in the postseason that year and decided to ask for a shirt for my birthday the next May. Not only did I receive the shirt, but I got a call from grandpa asking if I wanted to come visit and go to a game. I was very excited and said yes! I only got to see my grandfather once a year for Thanksgiving at that point since he lived so far away. We went to a Yankees v Rays game and the Rays scored 4 or 5 in the 6th inning to go ahead and win the game. The game was so much fun and we decided to do it again next year. Then the next. Then the next.

I became an avid fan to the point where I would write Joe Maddon letters as a young kid. I never missed a game on tv and I wore my shirts everywhere! And any time they played the Braves, I was in Atlanta wearing my navy blue and sky blue.

In 2014, my grandfather was diagnosed with Leukemia. He didn't want us to worry so he didn't discuss it much with us... until we heard the worst news. It didn't look good. I had become so close with my grandfather over those last 6 years and called him weekly, mostly discussing the Rays. Next thing you know, one of my best friends was about to be taken from me.

The final call I got possessed me to skip class at the University of Alabama and drive 9 hours to come see him. Little did I know, he was taken off life support while I was driving. However, he found out that I was coming and I guess he wanted to hang on. The doctors gave him 1 hour and he made it over 5. He was not speaking all day and glowed with happiness when I walked in. Crying, the only thing I could say was "Who am I going to go to the Rays game with now?"

This will be the 3rd year since his passing and I have not missed my summer Rays game since. I was even honored by the Rays after posting something about him on Father's Day. I found an internship at USF last summer and bought a 10 game flex pack. That was a dream come true.

I still not have found the person that I go to my yearly games with, but I am sure it will come in due time.

When I graduate, I plan to move to Tampa and become a season ticket holder. I love this organization with all my heart and I hope to watch many Rays games in the future. I love them for providing excitement, laughs, and a relationship with my grandfather that no one can replace. I love this city and this sport. I love this team and my fellow fans. I am a Rays fan through thick and thin until the day I die! Rays Up!