Best Opening Day moments in Rays history

Opening Day is one of the most exciting days of the year for baseball fans, as some people even compare it to their favorite holiday. As the Rays embark on this new season full of unknowns and uncertainties, let's rewind and look back on the best Opening Day moments in franchise history.

1. 1998 inaugural season

Formerly known as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, the club started as an expansion team in 1998. On March 31st of that year, they played their first ever Opening Day game against the Detroit Tigers. Led by Hall of Famers Wade Boggs and Fred McGriff, the Devil Rays would drop their first exhibition by a score of 11-6.

Regardless, it was a historic moment in the St. Petersburg area, as 45,369 fans packed in for the home opener. Rays fans consistently reflect on this day as the humble beginning of an organization beloved by so many. The 1998 Devil Rays would finish their first campaign with a mediocre 63-99 record, but the start of this special franchise was priceless.

2. Carlos Pena's grand slam and walk-off vs. Yankees

The Rays former fan-favorite first baseman Carlos Pena was a part of two different stints with the Rays. His first stretch was from 2007-2010, but unfortunately they lost their power-hitting infielder to free agency when he joined the Cubs for the 2011 season. In January of 2012, the Rays front office decided to bring back the Dominican native on a one-year deal to bolster their offense. He would take very little time to get comfortable at Tropicana Field again.

"There's a drive, high and deep to right! Welcome back Carlos Pena!" Dewayne Staats' call of Pena's grand slam will forever be ingrained in the hearts of die-hard Rays fans. The Silver Slugger crushed that homer off of 2024 Hall of Fame inductee CC Sabathia and put the Rays ahead 4-0 in the bottom of the first inning.

The game would end up being a thriller though, and come down to the last pitch. In the bottom of the ninth, ultra utility-man Ben Zobrist tied it up with a triple and Carlos Pena continued his hero status with a walk-off single. However, this Opening Day win wouldn't amount to a playoff berth as they missed the postseason for the first time since 2009, but it will forever be a memorable moment against their division rivals.

3. Denard Span's homecoming comeback

Veteran outfielder Denard Span was originally drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the first round of the 2002 draft, but he always held a deep connection with his Tampa, Florida roots. The consistent athlete attended Tampa Catholic High School and he was thrilled to join his hometown team when they traded for him in 2017.

The transaction was a blockbuster deal with the Giants that included legendary third baseman Evan Longoria. Span's athleticism paid dividends immediately, as he smoked a three-run go-ahead triple against the Red Sox on Opening Day. The Rays went into that inning down 4-0, but a six-run eighth carried them to a 6-4 victory.

Denard Span would wind up getting traded to the Mariners at the deadline, but he'll never forget his short time in a Rays uniform. In fact, he is currently a member of the Tampa Bay front office as a special assistant in baseball operations.