Wellness

Since 2018, the Rays have partnered with Team Smile, an advocacy group that partners dental professionals with professional athletic organizations to provide life-changing dental care to underserved children in their communities. In 2018-19, the Rays hosted more than 400 children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast and local foster care groups for a free dental day at Tropicana Field. In 2022-23, Team Smile provided free dental care to children from Campbell Park Elementary and John Hopkins Middle School. The children received dental work free of charge, including X-rays, screening and educational material on how to protect their teeth. The value of care provided since 2018 has totaled nearly $270,000.

The Rays proudly partner with Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital to bring players, coaches and mascots several times throughout the season to raise the spirits of patients and their families.

The Rays suffered a tragic loss in early 2022, when bullpen catcher Jean Ramirez died by suicide. His passing was a sobering reminder of the importance of mental health and the silent form that mental health struggles can take. Since 2017, the Foundation has donated more than $240,000 to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Throughout the month of May, Rays players wear green ribbons on their jerseys to support Mental Health Awareness. The Rays and Orlando Health’s leadership teams also teamed up to participate in mental health first aid training.