Campaign Hopes to Keep the Rays in Tampa Bay

This story was written and reported by Local Editor William Mansell.

Thursday at Ferg's Sports Bar and Grill across from Tropicana Field, a campaign aimed to help keep the Rays in Tampa Bay kicks off. 

Started by the radio station 98.7 The Fan, Save Tampa Bay Baseball is "a multi-tiered campaign to help keep the hometown Tampa Bay Rays baseball team in the region," a news release said. 

From 3-7 p.m. Thursday at Ferg's, 1320 Central Ave., the campaign to save the Rays officially begins with a rally and petition drive. 

The station said the loss of the team, and the revenue it generates, "would be catastrophic for the Tampa Bay region."

98.7 The Fan said in light of Mayor Bill Foster's comments about a lack of commitment to the area from Major League Baseball, it is important for the community to let the Rays and MLB know they want the team to stay. 

"At 98.7 The Fan, we strongly believe it’s in the best interest of the Tampa Bay community to keep Major League Baseball here,” said John O’Connell, Program Director for 98.7 The Fan, in a news release. “We will support our hometown Rays every way we can, and encourage Rays fans and the Tampa/St. Petersburg community to join us.”