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WEDU DocumentariesRise of the Rays | A Devil of a Story
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Watch the saga of how the Tampa Bay Rays became our major league team.

About the Film

“Rise of the Rays: A Devil of a Story” is an epic telling of the twisting, wacky, emotional events that finally brought Major League Baseball to Tampa Bay.

Filer image

Who Sits Behind Home Plate?

WEDU PBSWho Sits Behind Home Plate? | Rise of the Rays

Stingrays vs Devil Rays

WEDU PBSStingrays vs. Devil Rays? | Rise of the Rays: A Devil of a Story

Who is Rick Dodge?

WEDU SpecialsRick Dodge | Rise of The Rays: A Devil of a Story

Fox 13 News | Paul Grove

WEDU PBSPaul Grove - Fox 13 Interview | Rise of the Rays

In the News | Podcasts

Podcast

Sports Day Tampa Bay with Rick Stroud

Interview with WEDU PBS CEO Paul Grove (Mar 28, 2023 | starting at 19:20)

Podcast

The JP Peterson Show

WEDU CEO Paul Grove previews the upcoming documentary on how the Rays made their way to Tampa Bay (March 29, 2023 | starting at 1:19:30).

In the News | Articles & Features

WEDU Original Documentary

In the 1980’s, Tampa businessman Frank Morsani emerged as a man who not only wanted to keep a major league baseball team in Tampa all summer, he had the means and savvy to make it happen.  

 

Meanwhile, in St. Petersburg it was an assistant city manager, Rick Dodge, who took the lead as the two groups tried to find a team, any major league team, to relocate to the Bay Area. 

 

What followed were years of lies, double-crosses, questionable civic decisions, public proclamations and behind the scenes negotiations, a white elephant stadium, time-bending political shenanigans, hope, contracts, and always in the end, disappointment. 

 

The Twins, the White Sox, the Giants, the A’s, the Mariners… it seemed like half of major league baseball was imminently moving to Tampa Bay, but each April Fool's Day, each left town again, returning home to a shiny new stadium and a sweetheart tax deal. 

 

Until… baseball finally agreed to grant a new franchise to play in the St. Petersburg Dome, now more than 10 years old. 

 

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays debuted on March 31, 1998 and became the first major league franchise to stick around past April 1st.  

March 2023 Premiere Cover

WEDU Premiere | March 2023

Don't miss a special letter from WEDU's CEO, Paul Grove, covering his perspective on "one of Tampa Bay's most frustrating and intriguing stories".

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