Rays radio broadcaster Dave Wills (left), author of "Augie" John Bacchia, and Rays GM Peter Bendix (Photo: Patrick Donatelli)
Palma Ceia Country Club, Tampa; The Sports Club of Tampa Bay has supported amateur and professional athletics in the Tampa Bay community for more than a half-century. The club has made a big impact on sports groups by donating more than a million dollars to local youth teams while honoring local sports legends with its own Hall of Fame. They have commemorated a very long list of local sports celebrities such as Steve Garvey, Lou Piniella, and former Rays manager Joe Maddon. Wills conducted a Q&A event with Mr. Bendix and covered many topics, including the Rays' ongoing efforts in the community and the clubs' aspirations for 2023 including a potential 5th straight trip to the postseason, and a new ballpark development proposal which was accepted by St. Petersburgh as they work towards securing a long-term future for the Rays in the Tampa Bay area. Dave Wills has been the radio voice of the Rays since 2005 along with Andy Freed. The club also honored manager Joe Maddon in 2021 (photo below)
Legendary Rays, Cubs, and Angels manager Joe Maddon greets youngsters at Columbia Restaurant in Tampa's historic Ybor City in June of 2021 during a luncheon honoring the former Tampa Bay skipper. Maddon managed the Rays from 2006 to 2014. Maddon was voted Manager of the Year three times and led the Cubs to a World Series Title in 2016. During the luncheon, Maddon spoke of his fond memories of piloting the Rays for 9 seasons and leading them to an AL Pennant and a World Series appearance in 2008.
For more information about the Sports Club of Tampa Bay, visit: www.sportscluboftampabay.com