Tampa Bay Rays throw shade over rainout in New York

After a rainout against the New York Yankees, the Tampa Bay Rays had the opportunity to let Tropicana Field shine.

For all of the abuse that Tropicana Field takes, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays does have one advantage over most stadiums – it is a dome. By virtue of that everpresent roof, the Rays do not need to be concerned with a rainout or other weather related issue when they have a home game.

That was not the case on Wednesday, as the Rays were in New York. Rain and thunder clouded the forecast, leading to the game being postponed. And, for the Rays, a perfect chance to throw some shade about the Trop.

At one point in time, Tropicana Field was a potential draw for major league teams. Tampa Bay had been a relocation threat, with the Trop seen as a state of the art ballpark. The San Francisco Giants even came close to moving to Tampa Bay after the 1992 season before the move was nixed by Major League Baseball as the sale of the team was denied. In the end, the Giants were able to get their new stadium, and Tampa Bay received a major league team in the expansion Rays.

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However, by the time that the Rays debuted, Tropicana Field was already obsolete. The former jewel had been surpassed by Camden Yards and other retro style ballparks. The Trop, meanwhile, appeared old and rundown by comparison, the previously interesting quirks had lost their charm.

And yet, Tropicana Field still has its moments when it can shine. The new lights in the roof certainly have charm, even though they are not used when the game is being played. There are also those days in Florida when it is hot and muggy, or when the summer rains are falling from the sky. The Trop is appreciated on those days.

Yes, it is time for a new ballpark. And yes, the Trop may be a hindrance for the Rays when it comes to having an attendance number that can be considered viable. Yet, any new stadium will likely have some reminder of the current stadium, or, at the very least, the dome that the Trop has become infamous for.

Tropicana Field may be the butt of many jokes, but on occasion, it can shine. The Tampa Bay Rays made sure to point out one of those moments on Wednesday as their game was rained out.