ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — With the Tampa Bay Rays eyeing a return to the World Series, fans are coping with having to cheer them on from afar.
It’s been a historic season and one that won’t soon be forgotten for many reasons.
The coronavirus has kept fans from attending games at Tropicana Field or traveling to watch the Rays advance through the postseason.
“When a big play hits we are texting each other,” said Randy Gassman. “Sometimes we silence it, it’s too much sometimes we just want to go crazy.”
Gassman is a member of the famed Section 120, a group of die-hard Rays fans who, before COVID-19, cheered the team on from behind first base at Tropicana Field.
Standing in front of a towering Kevin Kiermaier, #RaysUp super fan Randy Gassman talks about tonight’s thrill of being only one game away from advancing to the #WorldSeries. @abcactionnews pic.twitter.com/TGLTg0iKpN
— Ryan Smith (@RyanReports) October 14, 2020
Many of them traveled to Oakland and Houston during last season’s playoff run.
Now, Gassman is confined to the comforts of his home in Tampa when watching this historic season.
“It is really thrilling and to me, it’s the best escape because with COVID, there’s not much you can do so I look forward to these games every day and I’m super appreciative that they gave this a shot and it’s working.”
