ST. PETERSBURG — With the Cy Young award come the promotions.
A way-cool Blake Snell "Cy Zilla" bobblehead (March 30) and a Snell replica jersey (July 20) are among 23 giveaway items announced by the Rays today.
Also on the creative list, the Ryne Stanek (bottle) opener (April 20), in honor of the pitcher who started 29 games under the Rays' innovative strategy.
The Rays are again sticking to weekend games for their promotions — besides the opening day schedule magnet — with giveaways to all fans slated for 11 Saturday games and for kids 14 and under for 11 Sunday games as part of the family funday theme and activities.
Other player-specific items include a Kevin Kiermaier replica kids jersey (March 31), Daniel Robertson kids wristbands (April 21), Tommy Pham bobblehead (June 1), Jedi Joey Wendle kids socks (June 30), and a Willy Adames bobblehead (Aug. 17, vs. his original Tigers team). Of note, nothing is planned, as of yet anyway, for any of the key players acquired this offseason: Yandy Diaz, Avisail Garcia, Charlie Morton or Mike Zunino, nor pitcher Tyler Glasnow, or veteran infielder (and perhaps potential trade candidate) Matt Duffy.
Other all-fan promotions include a tropical shirt (May 11), short-sleeve hoodie (June 15), umbrella (June 29), DJ Kitty mini-speaker (Aug. 3), totebag (Aug. 31) and pajama pants (Sept. 7).
Other kids-only promotions include a snapback hat (May 12), arm sleeve (June 2), Devil Rays fanny pack (June 16), playing cards (July 21), backpack (Aug. 4), Raymond bendable keychain (Aug. 18), toy truck (Sept. 1) and pillowcase set (Sept. 8).
As always, the Rays say promotions are while supplies last and subject to change. The team is currently selling season tickets and five-game flex packs, with single-game ticket sales launching Friday at 10 a.m. via raysbaseball.com. The team Fan Fest is Saturday at Tropicana Field.