To say I’m in shock would be incomplete. There’s too much sadness intertwined with what I’m feeling. I’m certain the Germans have a word for it, but it’s a word I never want to know. I would rather this feeling be ineffable.
Evan Longoria is the face of the franchise, who committed himself and his career to retiring in a Rays jersey. To being a one-franchise man. He didn’t just bleed “blue and gold” or whatever color the Rays are. He fully embodied the Tampa Bay Rays.
And he wanted to stay.
Not once but twice Evan Longoria committed himself to a team-friendly contract, and has rewarded the Rays with a potential Hall of Fame career, earning his third Gold Glove in 2017 against steep competition.