In the first game played by a minor league affiliate of Tampa Bay’s new expansion team, the GCL Devil Rays lose to the GCL Yankees 10-1. A record crowd of 7,582 is in attendance at Al Lang Stadium to see 18 year-old right-hander Pablo Ortega throw the first pitch in franchise history.

On June 19, 1996 In the first game played by a minor league affiliate of Tampa Bay’s new expansion team, the GCL Devil Rays lose to the GCL Yankees 10-1. A record crowd of 7,582 is in attendance at Al Lang Stadium to see 18 year-old right-hander Pablo Ortega throw the first pitch in franchise history.