This week in FlaSports - November 12-18
 

Welcome to This week in FlaSports.  This space on the Florida Sports Foundation web site will give a weekly smattering of information about what's going on in sports in the Sunshine State.

Whether it be professional, amateur or recreational sports, and it's happening in Florida, look for it at This week in FlaSports.

Information on this page will be updated on Monday of each week.  To have your organization's events or happenings on This week in FlaSports, send an email to ngandy@flasports.com. 

Volume 1, Issue 12
November 12, 2007

► Rays introduce new name, icon, team colors and uniforms
► PLAY TENNIS FLORIDA chosen as Official 2008 USTA Florida Magazine

► Florida Amateur Athlete Accolades
► This Week in FlaSports Calendar of Events
► Archive of previous issues of This Week in FlaSports

Rays introduce new name, new icon, new team colors and new uniforms

Introducing the Tampa Bay Rays. Tampa Bay's Major League Baseball team has a new name, new team colors - navy blue and light blue - and a new icon, a bright yellow sunburst invoking the magnificence of life in the Sunshine State.

The dramatic makeover was announced Thursday, November 8 at a launch party in downtown St. Petersburg. In front of a crowd of thousands, Rays players and coaches and former Rays Fred McGriff and Wade Boggs modeled the new uniforms and licensed team apparel. The festivities continued with a concert performance by entertainment star Kevin Costner and his band Modern West, and concluded with a fireworks show and a pyrotechnics-display of the new Rays logo.

"We are now the 'Rays' - a beacon that radiates throughout Tampa Bay and across the entire state of Florida," said Stuart Sternberg, the team's principal owner. "Tampa Bay and the Sunshine State are beautiful places. We want the Rays to reflect the best our region has to offer."
 

When Sternberg assumed his role as principal owner following the 2005 season, he asserted that a change to the team's identity was necessary. "As we enter our second decade of play, it is important that we express a classic, crisp, traditional baseball look," Sternberg said. "These new marks will have a positive effect on the franchise as we progress towards new levels of achievement and success."

Both the new home and away uniforms, as well as the team's new primary logo, feature the word "Rays" in navy blue lettering cast with a light blue shadow. A bright yellow sunburst gleams from the letter "R." The two hues of blue suggest the deep blue waters and bright blue sky for which Florida is known. The elongated tail of the "R" further reinforces the water imagery.
 

In the primary logo, the team name is set against a white baseball diamond with a prominent navy blue outline. The diamond features basepaths, bases and home plate outlined in light blue.
 

The team's new cap has a base color of navy blue and white "TB" lettering cast with a light blue shadow.

While the name and uniform change send a clear message that the team is entering a new era, the organization will not remove all connection to its first ten years of play as the Devil Rays. An updated Devil Ray patch will continue to be worn on the left sleeve of the jersey. The team will also continue to operate its popular touch tank filled with live rays at Tropicana Field.

The change of marks and colors will extend throughout the organization. Both the exterior and interior of Tropicana Field will be updated to reflect the team's new look. Raymond, the team mascot, has also been updated.

In addition, the Rays official website has been changed to www.raysbaseball.com.

 

PLAY TENNIS FLORIDA chosen as Official 2008 USTA Florida Magazine

Wins over Three Other National/Regional Publications

Following a bidding process involving four regional/national tennis magazines, Play Tennis Florida has been named the official USTA Florida magazine for 2008.

“Play Tennis Florida will debut in January 2008 with a fresh graphic presentation, award-winning writers and photographers, and deeper reporting of community, recreational, and grassroots tennis throughout the state,” says Play Tennis Florida Editor & Publisher Richard Vach. “Tennis remains the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. over the last five years, and Florida is leading the way. We’re looking forward to an exciting 2008.”

Play Tennis Florida will be published 11 times in 2008, with one combined issue in Dec./Jan.

Past USTA national presidents have referred to Florida as “America’s most important tennis state.” Play Tennis Florida is mailed exclusively to USTA Florida’s approximately 50,000 individual, school, and organizational members each month.

 “Play Tennis Florida will continue our history of being a magazine that covers tennis in Florida with more emphasis on grassroots and community articles,” said USTA Florida Executive Director Doug Booth. “We look forward to working in partnership with Play Tennis Florida to offer USTA Florida members the best of what tennis has to offer monthly in our great state.”

Click here for more information about USTA Florida.


Amateur Sports Accolades

Dowling is a swimmer for life

Evelyn Dowling, a Synchronized Swimmer from Palm Beach County, recently competed in the U. S. Masters Synchronized Swimming Championships at the University of Arizona, in Tucson, October 25 – 27 placing in three events.

Dowling, who considers Synchronized Swimming a lifetime sport, won first place in the 80-89 age group Figures event, second place in the 80-89 Free Solo event and placed fifth in the Free Duet, 60 - 69 age group (ages averaged). 

She has also competed in four Sunshine State Games competitions since 2000.  At the 2007 Games in Polk County, she won a bronze medal in the Open Solos competition and won a pair of gold medals in the Open Solo and Open Duet events.  Dowling also serves as an assistance coach for the Palm Beach Coralytes, team that regularly competes in the Sunshine State Games.

A synchronized swimmer since 1986 when she was in her 50s, Dowling competes several times a year.  “There is always a lot of competition at these National meets,” said Dowling.  “I enjoy the meets, practice hard and it keeps me in shape.  I feel like I could swim routines to music forever!!!"

FlaSports Calendar of Events this week, November 12-18

This week in FlaSports Archive
Volume 1, Issue 1, August 27
Volume 1, Issue 2, September 4
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 10
Volume 1, Issue 4, September 17
Volume 1, Issue 5, September 24
Volume 1, Issue 6, October 1
Volume 1, Issue 7, October 8
Volume 1, Issue 8, October 15
Volume 1, Issue 9, October 22
Volume 1, Issue 10, October 29
Volume 1, Issue 11, November 5

 

Office Information

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