From First Pitch to Final Memories: Reflecting on the Trop and a City That Never Gives Up
By Matt Shapiro
St. Petersburg, FL
As a St. Pete native and diehard Rays fan, the Trop is home. There’s nothing quite like the blast of cool, 72-degree air hitting you as you walk through the doors on a hot August day. I was there in 1998 for the Final Four, and I’ll never forget the piles of purple chair cushions they handed out on Opening Day stacked in the corner.
The first pitch of 1998, the $5 Southwest Airlines seats, the excitement of clinching our first playoff berth—these are memories I will always cherish. I’ve lived through the tough years, the "Hit Show," Tony Saunders' broken arm(s), the heartbreak, and the ever-changing uniform combos and colors. But I’ll cherish those highs and lows.
Nothing will ever compare to the celebration that erupted when we clinched our first playoff berth in 2008. After 10 long years of struggling through losing seasons and watching awful baseball, we finally made it. Celebrating with the Rays’ staff throughout the Trop was sheer pandemonium. I will never forget that night, from the comeback on the field to the celebration off it. It was the best night ever.
My entire life, home games have been at the Trop. I’ve visited other ballparks, but nothing compares. Sure, it has its flaws, but what stadium built before 2010 doesn’t? At the Trop, I was guaranteed baseball—no rain delays, and on the hottest summer days, I wasn’t melting. At one point, we had a hot tub at "The Beach," a rock climbing wall in center field, and I learned how to “put my fins to the left, fins to the right” whenever the grounds crew came out to clean the infield.
I will miss the Trop when it’s gone, but just as St. Petersburg and the Rays have evolved, it’s time for the venue to evolve too. I will always treasure the memories it gave me, but I’m excited to make new ones in the future.
When I saw the damage to the Trop caused by Hurricane Milton, I was shocked—not emotionally, but in a way that made me realize how much my city had just endured. October 9, 2024 was the first time in my life that I truly feared my hometown, the city I know and love, might never be the same. As images of the damage began to surface, it became clear we had a long road ahead in terms of recovery. But just as the Rays have bounced back time and time again, we will rebuild. We’ll come back stronger, smarter, and ready to set ourselves up for long-term success.
About Matt Shapiro
Matt Shapiro is a native of St. Petersburg, FL and the owner of 1771 Designs, a local apparel company that celebrates the vibrant culture and spirit of the Tampa Bay area. Drawing inspiration from the region’s unique landscapes, landmarks, and sports scene, Matt creates designs that resonate with locals and visitors alike. Through 1771 Designs, he strives to showcase the pride and energy of the Tampa Bay community through creative, high-quality apparel.
A passionate sports fan, Matt is a diehard supporter of Tampa Bay’s teams. Since 1999, he’s attended every Rays opening game, embodying the dedication and loyalty that characterizes Tampa Bay’s sports culture. Whether he’s designing new pieces for his brand or cheering on the Rays, Matt’s love for his hometown runs deep.
When he’s not working on his latest designs or following Tampa Bay sports, Matt enjoys exploring the area and connecting with other local creators.