As a fan of the Tampa Bay Rays, you may be familiar with the Major League team's success in recent years. However, did you know that the Rays' minor league system plays a crucial role in their success?
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The Rays have six minor league teams that help develop young talent and prepare them for the big leagues. Each team has its own unique identity and purpose within the organization.
Durham Bulls
The Durham Bulls are one of the most well-known minor league teams in all of baseball, thanks in part to their starring role in the movie "Bull Durham." The team is located in Durham, North Carolina and plays at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
The Bulls are currently a Triple-A affiliate of the Rays and have been since 1998. They have won three International League championships and two Triple-A National Championships since becoming affiliated with Tampa Bay. Many current Rays players, including Kevin Kiermaier and Austin Meadows, spent time playing for the Bulls before making it to the Major Leagues.
Montgomery Biscuits
The Montgomery Biscuits are based in Montgomery, Alabama and play at Riverwalk Stadium. The team has been a Double-A affiliate of the Rays since 2004.
The Biscuits have won two Southern League championships since becoming affiliated with Tampa Bay. Current Rays players who spent time playing for Montgomery include Tyler Glasnow and Brendan McKay.
Charlotte Stone Crabs
The Charlotte Stone Crabs are based in Port Charlotte, Florida and play at Charlotte Sports Park. The team has been a High-A affiliate of the Rays since 2009.
The Stone Crabs have won one Florida State League championship since becoming affiliated with Tampa Bay. Current Rays players who spent time playing for Charlotte include Willy Adames and Diego Castillo.
Bowling Green Hot Rods
The Bowling Green Hot Rods are based in Bowling Green, Kentucky and play at Bowling Green Ballpark. The team has been a Low-A affiliate of the Rays since 2009.
The Hot Rods have won one Midwest League championship since becoming affiliated with Tampa Bay. Current Rays players who spent time playing for Bowling Green include Randy Arozarena and Josh Fleming.
Hudson Valley Renegades
The Hudson Valley Renegades are based in Wappingers Falls, New York and play at Dutchess Stadium. The team has been a Short-Season A affiliate of the Rays since 2018.
The Renegades won the New York-Penn League championship in their first year as a Rays affiliate. Current Rays players who spent time playing for Hudson Valley include Vidal Brujan and Shane McClanahan.
Princeton Rays
The Princeton Rays are based in Princeton, West Virginia and play at Hunnicutt Field. The team has been a Rookie-level affiliate of the Rays since 1997.
The Princeton club has won four Appalachian League championships since becoming affiliated with Tampa Bay. Current Rays players who spent time playing for Princeton include Wander Franco and Taylor Walls.