By Ana Ortiz
TAMPA, Fla. — On Sunday, Sept. 23, the Tampa Bay Rays closed out their season at George M. Steinbrenner Field with a 7-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox, celebrating University of Tampa alumni night with a lively mix of baseball, community, and tradition. The stadium buzzed with energy as fireworks illuminated the sky, a helicopter circled overhead, and the UTampa color guard performed a patriotic presentation that drew cheers from the packed crowd.
Kayah Bonilla-Mas, UTampa junior and ROTC cadet, set the tone with a soaring rendition of the national anthem, her voice carrying across the field.
“It was a real dream come true,” Bonilla-Mas said of her performance. “All the jitters washed away. I took it all in, and the crowd was amazing.”
Following Bonilla-Mas’ performance, UTampa alumnus Tino Martinez, a former New York Yankees and Rays first baseman, threw the ceremonial first pitch, bridging Tampa’s rich baseball history with the present.
Hours before the first pitch, the excitement outside the stadium was palpable. Fans gathered in anticipation, many arriving fresh from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ home win across the street at Raymond James Stadium. The scent of popcorn and hot dogs filled the air, creating the classic ballpark atmosphere.
Among the early arrivals was Nolan Hales, a recent UTampa graduate and lifelong Rays fan.
“Now that the Rays are playing in Steinbrenner Field, it’s a lot more convenient for me,” said Hales. “I’m hopeful for a Rays win. I know we’ve been struggling for the last couple of games, but I think we’ll come out on top of it.”
For Martinez, who grew up in Tampa and played both college and professional ball in the city, Sunday’s return was deeply personal. Wearing a hat embroidered with the Rays’ logo on the front and UTampa’s emblem on the side, he said the night blended two of his lifelong ties.
“I was lucky enough to play for the Devil Rays back in 2004,” said Martinez. “To throw the first pitch and to represent the Rays and the University of Tampa here today couldn’t feel better.”
When asked what advice he would give aspiring athletes, Martinez emphasized discipline both on and off the field.
“Hard work has to do a lot with it,” said Martinez. “My parents emphasized education, doing good in school, and working hard to earn good grades. Those small details set you up for success.”
On the field, Tampa Bay delivered a decisive win over Boston to cap off its season in Tampa. Timely hitting and strong pitching lifted the Rays to a 7-3 victory, giving fans plenty to cheer for and ending the game on a high note for the team.
For William Walsh, the Rays’ chief business officer for 18 seasons, the victory symbolized more than a single game.
“This one has been one of the most memorable seasons,” Walsh said.
“Overcoming adversity shows your grit, and I think the way the organization has pulled together after the storm and what we have been able to accomplish here in a short period of time is pretty incredible,” he said.
Walsh, who has called Tampa home for nearly two decades, also highlighted the city itself as part of the Rays’ identity.
“I just love the eclectic nature of everything that this region has to offer,” Walsh said. “From downtown, soaking up culture one minute and hanging out at the beach just a few minutes later, it’s pretty special.”
With UTampa President Teresa Dahlberg, Sparty the mascot, and countless alumni in attendance, the evening marked a Rays win and celebrated the university’s ties to the city as the atmosphere reflected both nostalgia and pride.
The night offered a unique opportunity for Tampa Bay fans to experience a blend of professional baseball and local tradition, creating a memorable finale to the season. From fireworks to first pitches, anthem performances to alumni celebrations, University of Tampa Alumni Night served as a testament to Tampa’s resilience and enduring love for the game.
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Photos courtesy of Lexi Smith.