Ben Zobrist took out full-page ad to thank Rays fans
Ben Zobrist suited up for the Rays for the better part of nine years, making two All-Star games and blossoming into one of the game’s most versatile players.
Earlier this month he was traded to Oakland, ending his tenure in Tampa Bay. Zobrist and his wife, Julianna, took out a full-page ad in Sunday’s Tampa Bay Times to thank the fans and the organization for making their time there special.
It’s a thoughtful, classy letter that hits all the right notes. Here’s a passage that underscores just how emotional Zobrist was leaving the only big league home he’s known:
I’m glad this is difficult because it means it has impacted our hearts. I would be lying if I said there were no tears shed in the Zobrist household over leaving Tampa Bay. But rest assured they are due to gratitude rather than sadness. So during this bittersweet time, we will try to look forward to the coming season as much as possible even though part of our hearts will always be in Tampa Bay.
Over the last calendar year the Rays have lost ace David Price, lead executive Andrew Friedman, manager Joe Maddon (who also took out newspaper ads this offseason), and now Zobrist, who will play second base for the A’s. Those four people all played a significant role in turning Tampa into a consistent contender. It’s certainly the dawn of a new era at the Trop.
Zobrist was beloved by Rays fans. Hopefully getting Oakland’s No. 1 prospect according to Baseball America, shortstop Daniel Robertson, in return will help soften the blow of losing a player that clearly appreciated being in Tampa as much as the fans appreciated him.
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Israel Fehr is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter. Follow @israelfehr
