Players & Families Programs

Player Programs

Tuesday's Champion

Before every Tuesday home game at Tropicana Field, the Rays host a child from the Make-A-Wish Foundation or Children's Dream Fund at the ballpark as a part of a special program called "Tuesday's Champion." Tuesday's Champion, presented by RIPA & Associates, invites the kids, along with their families, to be on the field during batting practice where they can meet and interact with Rays players and coaches. They are then treated to dinner in the Rays Club before taking the field and throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Along with these experiences, they are also given a personalized jersey and a bat. The children selected for the program are battling life-threatening illnesses and many come straight from the hospital for this special experience.

Home Runs for Hope

For every home run Rays infielder Brandon Lowe hits, he and his wife, Madison, will donate $250 to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. The Rays Baseball Foundation will also contribute $250 per home run in support of Lowe's "Home Runs for Hope" campaign. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay provides a range of programs and services to ensure that no one in the community has to face a crisis alone. It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year as the community gateway to help. People who are struggling with a variety of crisis situations including sexual assault or abuse, domestic violence, financial distress, substance abuse, medical emergency, suicidal thoughts and other emotional or situational problems can connect to hope and healing.

Hospital Visits

The Rays proudly partner with Bayfront Health St. Petersburg and Moffitt Cancer Center to bring players, coaches and mascots several times throughout the season to raise the spirits of patients and their families.

Lowe's Legends

As part of the Lowe's Legends program, Brandon Lowe , and his wife, Madison, host youth baseball and softball players from local leagues for Rays games throughout the season, including special meet and greet opportunities. Loweā€™s Legends is a program focused on supporting and inspiring youth to play the game of baseball or softball.

Minor League Erik Walker Award

The Erik Walker Community Champion Award annually recognizes Rays minor league players who exemplify teamwork, sportsmanship and community involvement, attributes exhibited by Rays minor league pitcher Erik Walker, who died tragically in October 2006. Each player chooses a nonprofit organization to receive a donation from the Rays Baseball Foundation.

Rays Families Programs

Throughout the season, the Rays Families support the community through various initiatives. In 2022, the Rays Families supported the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and the Rays Baseball Foundation.