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MAURA HALPERNWith high-fives to an occasional back rub, Rays usher Elaine Blaser makes sure fans in her area enjoy their day at the game.
ST. PETERSBURG - At her appointed post at Tropicana Field, Elaine Blaser observes people's shirts, jewelry, hair style - anything to make sure she doesn't ask to check a ticket more than once.
She is the guardian of the people in sections 116 and 118. Her job is usher, but her own job description is more like field mother.
As spectators entered a section of first-level stands for a Devil Rays game last week, Blaser noticed one woman's golden angel necklace. One young girl wore a shirt with an egg on it, bearing the slogan "yokes on you." Blaser was sure to remember that one.
But for many fans who entered her territory, the game against the Seattle Mariners was a cheerful reunion with the woman who protects their section.
Mike Mannelli approached Blaser with a hug as he balanced a tray of salty snacks and beer in the other hand.
The season ticket holder walked down to what he insists is the best spot in the Trop - aisle seats right above the Rays dugout, within direct view of first base.
"She's a dynamite woman," said Mannelli, who lives in Tarpon Springs. "I've never felt this comfortable in a sports coliseum. She makes you feel at home."
As an usher, Blaser's priority is to make sure everyone sitting in her area has tickets to be there. While making sure "sliders" stay in their ticketed seats isn't the most enjoyable part of the job, she said she strives to protect the "integrity of the section."
It was more fun to watch outfielder Carl Crawford slam a home run. Blaser began her traditional round of high-fives.
The 61-year-old hurried to the front row of club box seats and stood on tiptoes to reach outstretched hands. Then she circled around section 118's first-level seats in the top row.
"It's about time for one of those," said Blaser, slightly out of breath. "I love to hear this place rock."
Both Blaser and her husband, Calvin, have ushered at Tropicana Field since the Rays inaugural season in 1998.
He stands right across home plate from his wife, between third base and home.
"We wave to each other; it's really fun," Calvin said. "We both love baseball, so this job is more like a hobby with a paycheck at the end of the week."
Blaser has her own fan club.
On his way back from a snack refill, Mario Mannelli, Mike's brother, stopped in front of Blaser as she gave him a quick back rub.
"It's another perk of sitting in her section," Mario said, grinning.
She keeps a roll of paper towels handy near the railing, just in case a beer or ketchup spill on the stairs endangers fans walking back and forth.
About once an inning, she'll wipe down the metal railings.
"I'm a stickler for safety," Blaser said. "Just like in my own home, I wouldn't want people tripping and slipping on things."
Because of the prime seating, several season ticket holders call sections 116 and 118 home for watching the Rays.
Among them, Mayor Rick Baker, former Mayor David Fischer and county commissioner Bob Stewart.
Aside from a few vacation days, Blaser rarely misses a game. After baseball season, she will make her fall season transition from turf to ice and usher at the St. Pete Times Forum for the Tampa Bay Lightning. She also ushers concerts at the Forum.
"My mission is to help people enjoy their time at Tropicana Field," Blaser said. "When people tell me they're going to come back and get tickets in my section, it gives me a little glow on the inside."
- Staff writer Maura Halpern can be reached at 727 892-2271 or mhalpern@sptimes.com