In some barely perceptible ways, change was in the always-72-degree Tropicana Field air in 2005.
The Tampa Bay Devil Rays had been the laughing stock of major league baseball across their brief history. Their on-field product had been lackluster (a 70-91 finish in 2004 was their best year) and their ownership was also openly ridiculed. Chuck Lamar was considered one of the toughest GM’s to make a deal with in baseball, and not in a respectful, “he drives a tough bargain” way. Principal owner Vince Naimoli was known for issuing ridiculous polices to his employees at and away from the stadium, when he wasn’t busy chasing down fans who had brought in contraband outside food.