Tropicana Field,St. Petersburg,FL,US Ball Park First Game Date – 3/31/1998 (1) Starting Pitchers – Devil Rays vs. Tigers: 3/31/1998 Final Score 11-6 (DET) Attendance – 45,369 Starting Pitchers Wilson Alvarez (TBA); Justin Thompson (DET) First Batter – Brian Hunter (DET) Result – Grounded to 1B First Hits – Tony Clark (DET),Singled to 2B (2nd) First…
2008 – At Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Philadelphia Phillies edge the host Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the World Series, 3 – 2 behind a gem from Cole Hamels. The Fightin’ Phils get a home run from star second baseman Chase Utley in his first-ever World Series plate appearance. “Lights Out” closer Brad Lidge gains the save with a 1-2-3 9th inning.
Instant replay is used for the first time in a major league game. Alex Rodriguez homers to left off Troy Percival in the 9th as part of a 8 – 4 Yankees win over the Rays. Umpire Brian Runge calls it a homer and has his call upheld upon review.
Wade Boggs of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays becomes the first major leaguer to hit a home run for his 3,000th hit