ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Spurred by fan reaction to All-Star Evan Longoria’s criticism of Tampa Bay’s home attendance, the AL East-leading Rays are making 20,000 free tickets available for Wednesday night’s game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Longoria called Monday’s turnout of just 12,446 for a game in which the Rays had a chance to clinch the second playoff berth in franchise history “disheartening.” All-Star pitcher David Price weighed in on the subject on Twitter, calling the small crowd “embarrassing.”
Team president Matt Silverman said the club had been discussing the possibility of giving away tickets for the Rays’ home finale, but probably wouldn’t have actually done it if the players hadn’t spoke out. Silverman said the Rays had received mixed reaction from fans in phone calls and e-mail.
