The Tampa Bay Rays have been a consistent playoff team for the past several years. Since their inception in 1998, the franchise has made two World Series. Many All-Star-caliber players have donned a Rays jersey as fans have several favorites to collect.
HobbyListings takes a look at the top six best Tampa Bay Rays cards fans should add to their collection. Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
(Editor’s note: We have not included any Wander Franco cards due to the allegations of an improper sexual relationship with an underage girl.)
The List: Best Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Cards
1. 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks Evan Longoria Autograph (#66)
Evan Longoria was once the face of the franchise. A key player in the Rays’ 2008 World Series run, Longoria was the 2008 AL Rookie of the Year and a three-time All-Star during his time with Tampa Bay.
2. 2011 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospect Blake Snell Autograph (#BSN)
Blake Snell developed into a Cy Young Award winner with the Rays. Known for his dominant pitching, Snell was a key figure in the Rays’ pitching rotation and their success in the late 2010s.
3. 2007 Bowman Sterling David Price Autograph (#DPP)
David Price was an integral part of the Rays’ early success. The first overall pick in 2007, Price won the Cy Young Award in 2012 and helped lead the Rays to their first World Series appearance in 2008.
4. 2020 Topps Chrome Update Sapphire Randy Arozarena Autograph Rookie Card (#RARA)
Randy Arozarena’s rookie card gained significant value following his breakout performance in the 2020 postseason. Known for his power-hitting and speed, he set multiple rookie records in the playoffs and has become a key player for the Rays.
5. 1999 Topps Traded Carl Crawford Autograph Rookie Card (#T75)
Carl Crawford was one of the most dynamic players in Rays history. Known for his speed and hitting ability, Crawford was a cornerstone of the Rays during the 2000s and a key figure in their transformation into contenders. Crawford’s son, Justin Crawford, is currently one of the top prospects in the Philadelphia Phillies organization.
6. 2007 Topps Triple Threads Ben Zobrist Relic Autograph (#171)
Ben Zobrist was known for his versatility and consistent performance. A key figure in the Rays’ success in the late 2000s and early 2010s, Zobrist was an All-Star and a fan favorite during his time with the team.
History of the Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays, established in 1998 as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, are a relatively young franchise in Major League Baseball with a history characterized by innovative strategies, player development, and notable achievements. Let’s explore the journey of the Rays.
Establishment and Early Years
- Founded in 1998: The Rays entered MLB as an expansion team, bringing major league baseball to the Tampa Bay area. The early years of the franchise were challenging, as is often the case with new teams.
- Name Change: In 2008, the team rebranded from the “Devil Rays” to the “Rays,” coinciding with a significant turnaround in their performance.
The Rise to Contenders
- 2008 American League Champions: The Rays’ transformation culminated in 2008 when they reached the World Series for the first time, showcasing a young and dynamic team. Though they lost to the Philadelphia Phillies, this marked a new era of competitiveness for the franchise.
Key Players in Franchise History
- Evan Longoria: Longoria, the face of the franchise for many years, was the 2008 AL Rookie of the Year and a key figure in the Rays’ 2008 World Series run.
- David Price: Price emerged as one of the top pitchers in baseball during his time with the Rays, winning the Cy Young Award in 2012.
- Carl Crawford: Known for his speed and hitting, Crawford was a cornerstone of the Rays during their transformation into a competitive team.
A New Era of Success
- Consistent Contenders: The Rays have consistently been contenders in the AL East, known for their innovative strategies, including the use of “openers” in their pitching rotation.
- 2020 American League Champions: The Rays reached the World Series again in 2020, showcasing their ability to compete with a modest payroll. Players like Randy Arozarena and Tyler Glasnow played key roles in this success.
Recent Developments
- Player Development: The Rays are recognized for their strong player development system, consistently producing talented players and competitive teams.
- Innovative Approach: The franchise is known for its analytical approach to baseball, often setting trends in player utilization and in-game strategy.