The Tampa Bay Rays took the field on Friday for their season opener against the Colorado Rockies at their temporary home, George M. Steinbrenner Field, the spring training site for the New York Yankees. Unfortunately, the organization, particularly Rays owner Stuart Sternberg, faced a less than warm reception from the fanbase, evidenced by a “sell the team” chant that echoed during a mound visit in the top of the seventh inning, captured live on the FanDuel Sports Network Sun broadcast.
Audible “Sell the team” chants at Steinbrenner Field.
We presume these are Rays fans but if any Rockies fans made the trip, they are likely to join in. pic.twitter.com/Spn9yotYYn
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 28, 2025
We have a “sell the team” chant. pic.twitter.com/SI2UagXqxZ
— Paul Driscoll (@ThePaulDriscoll) March 28, 2025
Tampa will host its home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field throughout the 2025 season following significant damage to Tropicana Field from Hurricane Milton, raising questions about the organization’s future plans. While Sternberg previously expressed interest in returning to Tropicana Field once repairs are completed for the start of the 2026 season, he had backed out of a deal to construct a new $1.3 billion ballpark in St. Petersburg just weeks before the season began. This decision frustrated MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and other stakeholders.
On a brighter note, the Rays managed to start their season on a high note, clinching a 3-2 victory thanks to a walk-off home run from Kameron Misner, marking the first home run of his career.
First-pitch swinging!
Kameron Misner’s first career home run is a WALK-OFF home run! pic.twitter.com/77K0dpZJQQ
— MLB (@MLB) March 28, 2025
The situation echoes events from the 2024 MLB season when the then-Oakland Athletics’ fanbase vocally protested against perceived mismanagement by ownership. Unless Sternberg changes his approach and invests in a new stadium or considers selling the team, these “sell the team” chants may become a regular occurrence throughout the season.
