Tampa Bay Rays Minority Owner Lance Ringhaver Dead at 76

Lance Ringhaver, a minority owner of the Tampa Bay Rays and one of the original owners and driving forces behind the push to get the franchise, died in a car accident Monday night.

It has been an emotional few days for the Tampa Bay Rays. Opening Day is a fun experience, especially when starting the season at home, but it can certainly be a draining experience. Unfortunately, just one day after Opening Day at the Trop, Rays minority owner Lance Ringhaver was killed when his car hit a semi that was attempting to turn, as his Infinti ended up wedged under the trailer. Ringhaver was 76 years old.

Ringhaver was a key part of the history of baseball in the Tampa Bay area. For years, prior to landing the expansion Rays in 1995, Tampa Bay had been the rumored relocation destination for several franchises. He was part of the group that attempted to purchase the San Francisco Giants, among other teams, to bring them to the area, and was seemingly involved in every relocation discussion.

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Finally, his dream of having Major League Baseball in the Tampa Bay area was realized when a group of owners, fronted by Vince Naimoli, were awarded the expansion Devil Rays franchise in 1995. Even after Naimoli sold the team to Stuart Sternberg in 2005, Ringhaver was a part of the ownership group, staying involved with the team that he helped to bring into existence.

Even in what would be in final days, Ringhaver was at the ballpark. He was at Tropicana Field for Opening Day, meeting the players and taking in the sights and sounds of his beloved sport.

Ringhaver leaves behind a legacy that not only involves bringing baseball to the Tampa Bay area, but of charity as well. He contributed to such organizations and entities as Tampa’s Florida Aquarium, the YMCA and the University of Florida. Regarded as a ‘true Southern gentleman,’ Ringhaver was a true leader in the community.

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We here at Call to the Pen offer our condolences to Lance Ringhaver’s family and to the Tampa Bay Rays organization.