Looking for a reason to get into the Devil Rays season? Here are 10 occasions worth noting:
By Times Staff Writer
Published April 4, 2004
TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY VS. YANKEES: The world tour moves from Tokyo to St. Petersburg. Tuesday's home opener should be a knockout, especially with boxing champ Winky Wright throwing out the first pitch. Wednesday should be, um, interesting with Don Zimmer masks for everyone - well, probably everyone but Yankees boss George Steinbrenner.
APRIL 9-11 VS. ORIOLES: If the Rays are going to get out of last place, they're going to have to beat the Orioles. And they might as well start now. Fans on the 10th can get an Aubrey Huff mini-bobblehead, too.
MAY 18-20: VS. RED SOX: The Sox didn't get Alex Rodriguez, but they did get Curt Schilling. And if their rotation falls so Pedro Martinez, Schilling and Derek Lowe are pitching, you're not going to want to be late. Plus, there's a Rocco Baldelli mini-bobblehead on the 18th and CheerStix on the 19th.
MAY 28-30 VS. YANKEES: This is the only weekend visit by the Bronx Bombers, which means even more people will show up at the Trop acting like they're real Yankees fans.
JUNE 8-10 VS. GIANTS: There could be balls flying everywhere as Barry Bonds takes aim for the first time at the Tropicana Field catwalks. Plus, Jose Cruz Jr. mini-bobbleheads on the 9th.
JUNE 11-13 VS. ROCKIES: Joe Kennedy's return to the Trop could be an event worth toasting.
JULY 19-20 VS. YANKEES: Thanks to a quirky schedule, this is the last time to see the Trop filled with Yankees blue until next season. Rays fans hope they won't be shaking their heads like the Lou Piniella mini-bobblehead given out on the 19th.
AUG. 5-8 VS. MARINERS: The competition is always going to be spirited when Piniella goes against his former team. Plus, there's a chance to see ex-Rays nice guys Quinton McCracken and Randy Winn.
AUG. 21 VS. A'S: It's '60s night at the Trop, which will really look like old times to some of the young Rays players.
SEPT. 27-29 VS. RED SOX: Three games to wrap up the home schedule that could be huge - whether it's the Sox fighting for first place or the Rays battling for fourth.
