Ken Babby, co-owner and CEO of the Tampa Bay Rays, is wasting no time ingratiating himself into the St. Petersburg community.
Babby schmoozed with city stakeholders during a VIP meet-and-greet Wednesday night at Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill before addressing hundreds of fans. He concluded a rousing message by saying the new ownership group wanted to buy everyone a beer.
Like many baseball fans, Babby and his wife, Liz, stopped by Ferg’s after watching their first Rays game in June 2024. “And we said, boy, this is a pretty special place. It would be pretty special to call Tampa Bay home,” he told the crowd.
“Tampa Bay Rays fans – the best is yet ahead,” Babby pledged. “And we cannot wait to get started. We love you.”
Babby thanked Mayor Ken Welch and the workers installing Tropicana Field’s new roof. He also credited Ferg’s owner Mark Ferguson for creating a haven for St. Petersburg sports fans that connects to the stadium via a tunnel.
A beaming Ferguson, who repeatedly called on attendees to buy season tickets, said he wants the new ownership group to feel “warm, fuzzy” and “welcome here.” He believes the April 6 home opener will be “off the charts.”
“I thought it was unbelievable that he (Babby) would come out here and spend this time to meet some new fans and the media,” Ferguson added. “It’s just a great day in St. Pete.”
Babby echoed that sentiment in subsequent interviews. He said the new owners are proud to be in St. Petersburg and recognize the impact that losing Major League Baseball for a year had on the community.
“Today is really about celebrating all the great work that’s happening here,” Babby said. “The home of the Tampa Bay Rays is right here at Tropicana Field.”
He noted that crews installed the 21st of the Trop’s 24 roof panels Wednesday. Babby also pledged that the storm-damaged stadium “would look better than it ever has” when the team takes the field in 145 days.
The Rays are still “working on” a cost estimate for myriad stadium improvements. Fans will see an expanded video board, renovated suites, new premium seating options and an upgraded audio system.
“Every time I walk into the Trop, there’s something else we want to do,” Babby said. “We really want to make the experience terrific for our fans, and we’ll talk more about that as we get closer to the start of the season.”
Babby was reluctant to discuss the team’s long-term future. Returning home was the theme of the night.
There is “a lot of work” ahead for the new owners, who Babby said are conducting stadium feasibility studies on several sites throughout the region. When asked if they would submit a redevelopment proposal for the 86 acres surrounding Tropicana Field, he said they are watching the process “just like everybody else is.”
“We’ll see what the future brings,” Babby continued. “Obviously, this is an important site. We’re working alongside and understanding all the aspects that go along with that.”
The ownership group’s immediate focus is on the “two things that fans want to see: Winning baseball and a world-class fan experience,” Babby said. “And we’re really committed to doing both of those things.”
Chris Steinocher, CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, said the owners are “everything we could hope for.” He said they are “showing they care” and “investing in our community in every which way we’ve asked.”
Steinocher said the team is putting more money into revamping the Trop than previously expected. He believes fans should show up for opening day “because these guys are showing up right now for us.”
Local restaurateur Pete Boland handed out shirts that read “Keep the Rays in St. Pete.” He acknowledged the “great turnout” and the city’s passionate fan base.
“There’s a special connection between the City of St. Pete and the Rays, and there’s a lot of optimism here,” Boland added. “We know Tampa has taken many swings at this thing before, so I think us being here and welcoming them in Fergs – the greatest sports bar in America – is off to a great start.”
Babby was a ball boy during Al Lang Stadium’s days as a spring training facility. Boland appreciates that Babby is a “baseball guy” who is familiar with and fond of the city.
Boland believes Babby’s experience owning a minor league team will help identify creative ways to increase attendance at the Trop. He said the stadium “is going to be rocking” on opening day.
“We’re going to blow the roof off of that thing.”
Babby also noted that he “grew up loving” the game. “If you told my 10-year-old self that I’d ever be in a position to be part of an ownership group to buy a Major League Baseball team, I wouldn’t believe you,” he said.
“So I always said, if we could do this and we could do it right, the first thing we were going to do from the moment we got here was … say thank you, buy everybody a beer and get to work.”
This content provided in partnership with StPeteCatalyst.com
