Just before the Tampa Bay Rays started a new season here, baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred suggested there will be several more.
“This is a market that is very important to Major League Baseball,” Manfred said. “We have a great owner and ownership group here in Tampa Bay. We look forward to great success in this market going forward.”
At a time the Rays are searching for a new stadium, perhaps you thought it was time for threats and deadlines. But Manfred had neither. He said that as long as Rays’ owner Stu Sternberg remains committed to the area, baseball will do the same.
“I think the most important thing is Stu’s palpable commitment to this market,” Manfred said. “He is a respected owner in the game. People believe he is working very hard to make this club successful in Tampa. As long as he’s committed, baseball will remain committed.
“I also think the market does have great potential. Obviously, Florida is a growing state. I believe in Tampa Bay; we will find a way to get a facility built that will improve the attendance.”
Manfred said he doesn’t play attention to the stadium issue daily, but he frequently talks to Sternberg to hear of the progress.
