Jenny Beiro is an avid Tampa Bay Rays fan, and a supporter of females enjoying the game of baseball. A Florida resident, Beiro will be sounding off in a weekly column called “Jenny Says…” where she will be talking about all things Tampa Bay Rays. Welcome her aboard, I know we are ecstatic to have her, and I feel certain you will love her work as much as I do
OK. So I feel for Rays. It’s like having a school recital, football game, choir concert or anything else where support would boost you confidence, ego and aid in performance.
And no one shows up … You look – see no familiar faces, try not to let your disappointment show, and just try your best. Come on… we’ve all seen the look on a kiddo’s face when they notice that their mom or dad , that familiar face watching in the audience. They light up! They’re proud to strut their stuff! I believe the same is true with the fans. Some claim to love the Rays- 
yet haven’t been to a game!
Imagine the difference, the feeling in the dome of a sold out Trop. Will we ever see the day? The roar when Longo hits a home run or 3, Bartlett making a clutch double play, or Crawford getting on base and knowing he’s gonna steal 2nd.
It’s a chain reaction. The players feed off of fan support! There is nothing that is more annoying to me, than bandwagon fans. Come September- with the 2010 season hopefully as exciting as the last couple, and a winning record. October comes, please don’t show up with your cowbell and think it’s OK.
This is a young, extremely talented group of guys. Who thrive when the fans make a showing. I’ve witnessed it. Its incredible. Exciting. Being part of something, a team to be proud of. From the bottom of the barrel to the World Series … Cellar to Stellar still has to be one of my favorites describing the Rays in the last 10yrs.
I know there are a million reasons you can come up with NOT to go. If your just a baseball fan and not specifically a ‘Rays’ fan then fine. I somewhat understand.
Growing up in Key West we would drive 3hrs, just to go to a mall, school shopping or to buy a prom dress. Our High School played teams/and traveled all over the state. It was looked forward to. A small island can get claustrophobic if you don’t get off the rock now and then.
Excuses are different than reasons. I love baseball. There is good reason why I don’t go see the lets say – the Marlins. First I’m not a Marlins fan. Second its not convenient. We’re pretty lucky to be in a city that has so much to offer. It’s been analyzed and debated long enough, I understand it’s not downtown or central to everything and Tampa traffic can be a bitch. But take the good with the bad. We live in a great city and should take advantage of the perks of having the Rays be OUR hometown team.
So I ask – Not for you to drive alligator alley, and into Miami – I get that. If your a true fan, which if you’ve read this far, you most likely are. Fellow Rays- there is NO reason not to cross over the bridge, go to the Trop and see a game! Get a hot dog, some peanuts, drink a beer and root for your team! Its American! Its Baseball!
Top 5 reasons to GO watch the Rays!
5.Rays Have Heart- It’s like watching Little League, in big boy bodies! You can feel the camaraderie, the inside jokes and what an true team they are! You never know what your gonna witness! It’s quite the show. Longo, Balfour, Carlos, Navi, Zobrist, Bartlett and did I mention Balfour, the Aussie with an attitude! His stomping and circling the mound, complete determination, He’s an animal when pitching. Gotta love that!
OK! I love that. But ladies, who doesn’t appreciate the way a guy looks in a baseball uniform?
4.It’s fun! Put on some Rays gear, pull your ponytail out the back of your favorite Rays hat, who cares if it’s a work/ school night. Get outta the house, and you’ll be able to engage in water cooler convo at work, about the bad calls or grand slam you witnessed- huge bonus points with the male species- single ladies!
3.Joe Maddon- unpredictable, he thinks outside the box. He owns his decisions, accepts mistakes (Like forgetting to put Evan in the starting line up) then jokes about it. Maddon believes in unity and keeping it loose in the clubhouse. Adamant about being optimistic. The man can make sense out of 9=8!
Plus after a game, occasionally relaxes with a glass of red wine listening to Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel etc. And totally pulls off the trendy, black-rimmed, Hugo Boss frames! What’s not to like? (just please don’t dye your hair again)
2.Do it for OUR guys the Rays! They deserve it! Silverman, Sternberg, and all the Rays staff.
In 09′ the Rays Ranked As Most Affordable Pro Team.
1.Promotions and Summer Concert Series Last but not least! Who does NOT want a Carlos Pena Toothbrush holder? Everyone should have one!
Joe’s philosophy
Rays F.A.C.T.O.R – Flexibility / Accountability / Consistency / Trust / Organization / Respect
Wise words anyone can benefit from!
Got a suggestion for Jenny? Email her! Jenny@TampaBayRaysFan.com.
Jenny Jonathan Beiro is a thirty-something mom and resident in the Bay area for the past decade. Her presence in the greater Tampa community includes volunteer work at the Florida Aquarium, MOSI, and with the Glazer Family Foundation.
Rays faithful may best remember her in 2008 as we made our run into the post season for the first time as division champs, then AL pennant winners.
In addition to the Rays gig, Jenny was a voice connected to Bucs and Lightning. Being an in the know curious, die hard sports fan. She is looking forward to to adding the Rowdies to her resume- this Spring. But looking past the Louboutin's and the lip gloss - getting to know Jenny, most importantly, She believes the Rays can climb to the upper echelons of the AL East and again extend their season beyond 162 games this and every season. 
Great Article! I cant wait to see what Jenny says next week!
I agree with Jenny, when Balfour is on the mound he looks like a man among the boys. Sort of a taller version of the Croc Hunter.
Eddie- very true. I LOVE watching Balfour- that’s gonna be a whole different column. When that glove goes up, over his mouth watch out. I can read lips though …
Love how Grant gets all fired up!
Jeff Niemann, though takes the cake, with looking like a man among the boys, I can’t help but think looks like a giant Jeff Daniels! at 6′ 9″ — dumb and dumber comes to mind, in a good, tall, jolly green giant way… Thanks for reading!
Ciao Ciao ~
Jenny
I am a die hard basefall fan, although I will admit that I’m not a Rays fan. It’s Yankees all the way for me. I recently moved out of the Tampa Bay area to go back up north. When I lived down in Florida I tried to make it to as many Rays game that I could go to. It didn’t matter to me who they were playing. I just lived for the game. Of course it would be great when they were playing an American League East team, just so I could hopefully watch the two teams humilate one another, and even greater when they were playing the Yankees. And what other major league ballpark boost on fan friendiness. There’s not many other places that will let you into the park with your own beverages and food.
Although I enjoyed EVERY game that I’ve been to at Tropicana Field. Whether or whether not I was routing for the Rays is a completely story. They made every fan feel like home whether you were for or against then.
Jenny, I really enjoyed your column and look forward to reading more of them.
Well said Michael- It’s great to know you and others (me too)! Can enjoy a game. Any game!
A Yankee and Rays fan agreeing ???
A very welcoming, friendly Tropicana field! It’s a great experience!
Thanks for the comment and look out — LOTS MORE TO COME!
Ciao ~
Jenny
I remember my first Ray’s game. The whole atmosphere in the Trop was definitely worth the drive 90 miles from Ocala to Tampa. I wasn’t exactly a Ray’s fan at that time, I had heard of a team called the Devil Rays once and “wasn’t that the same team that won some big thing a couple years ago?” My boyfriend took me because he is a devout Ray’s fan, and I was a fan of his, so it all worked out. I’ve been to several games since then and, while they do get a decent turnout, it’s still disappointing to see all those empty seats. Especially when they’re so cheap! I guess it makes up for the over-priced, yet essential, ballpark beer. You’re right Jenny, it is American. It’s solid. It’s a family atmosphere. I even found a stand that did free refills on your pop corn bucket! There should be nothing holding anyone in the bay area from catching at least one of these games! Even if you’re not a baseball fan, who doesn’t love some good tailgating?!
Also, I’m very bummed to be missing out on the Pena toothbrush holder. He is my favorite player and I moved out of state recently so won’t be able to make it to the game.
Kim- Thank you! How about the crystals in the Rays logo! HA…
I will see that you have a Carlos toothbrush holder!
I’ve been lucky enough to meet Jenny over the phone, and Oh man, Oh man, as my old man used to say: This girl can Really Talk!
The organization of her toughs, how articulate she is, and well as the charisma and passion she has for her work and really admirable. I wasn’t aware she was a baseball fan but I can for sure share that passion with her, I love baseball as much as I love soccer. I see Jose Lobaton and Dioner Navarro in the rooster and it makes me happy some venezuelan representation there…
Honey, I’m looking forward for your program this week!
Best,
TheLeaderGuy
TheLeaderGuy — Wow! Thank you – Thank you. Especially coming from you, I’m blushing at the compliments!
Navi is a favorite of mine. Venezuelan representing!
Yep, talking and talking … I can talk!
It’s a gift! Some think of in more as a form of torture …
Thanks again – Ciao
I agree with Jenny. Looking forward to watching the Rays seize that pennant again. PA native living in Tampa and Costa Rica. Great ball field to pack lunch to take, Enjoy the day. Even public transit that takes you to the Trop. The best part of the Rays franchise is JJ Maddon. He was the coolest guy at Hazelton High, As I like to think, I was the coolest guy in Pottsville. PAHS. Roll Tide Roll!
Joe was the star quarterback. We played them a lot. He was two years ahead of me, everyone looked up to him. Nice and friendly guy. The best football QB and baseball player at Hazelton HS. Nice PA family. Beanie his mom, has a place called The Base. She’s still there- best hoagies in Hazelton. Joe Maddon is a man the coal region is proud of! “Joe John” is up there with Pottsville Maroons. Classic Coal Region History! A true baseball tale, any boy’s dream. Many Congrats to Joe.
Good read – Interested in more of what Jenny has to Say …