09/20/2026
Apologies for the long post. It’s also another off topic story not directly related to our ball collection but I feel its a story worth being told.
My daughter and myself have been lucky to have witnessed a lot of great moments in Rays history. This story may be at the top of my list. It’s partly autograph story, partly franchise and stadium history, but mostly emotional. What I witnessed today wasn’t planned. It was only timing and luck that allowed my family to watch the amazing moment unfold.
Unless you’re a Tropicana Field historian - something I consider myself to be - the name Jack Critchfield probably doesn’t mean anything to most Rays fans. Mr. Critchfield was one of the driving forces behind St. Petersburg acquiring the Devil Rays franchise. The former CEO of Florida Power (now Duke Energy) was instrumental in luring former Rays Managing Partner Vince Naimoli into the fold of people attempting to acquire a MLB franchise to play in the Florida Suncoast Dome (Tropicana Field). What started as a failed attempt to lure the San Francisco Giants here eventually turned into a successful acquisition of a new franchise. At this point he and his wife (Mary) are mostly recognizable to fans as the couple that are always seen on TV during games in the chairs directly behind home plate, the same seats they've occupied since the first game played in 1998. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdLazZCgZ6U
Earlier this year while doing one of my daily searches for unusual or rare Rays memorabilia I found a listing for a game used Devil Rays jersey. Upon reviewing the listing I found that it was not as advertised, but it was still something of interest to me.
In the early days of the franchise Pepsi sponsored a Devil Rays Fan Wall of Fame. Every year the organization would review fan nominations and select a handful of the dedicated to take part in a recognition and induction ceremony during the upcoming season’s Fan Fest. Each inductee was given a DR white home jersey with their name, commemorative patch and the number 1 stitched on the back. I'm familiar with the jersey because I was one of the lucky chosen before the 2000 season.
The eBay listing I mentioned earlier was the jersey given to Dr. Jack Critchfield during the inaugural induction ceremony in 1997 or 1998. I purchased it because I thought it was an interesting addition to our collection. I also gave thought to the possibility of getting it autographed, but because I was suspicious of the possibility of the items being stolen I hesitated to approach the true owner. I decided to gamble on approaching him today. (9/20/26)
I hung around the Trop entrance I knew the Critchfield's usually enter then waited for nearly 1.5 hours hoping the couple would arrive. When they did I approached them after their game entry tickets were scanned. After agreeing to step to the side we had a nice conversation about this story. Both were confused about how the jersey was no longer in their possession but were ecstatic about me approaching them and my concerns about how I acquired it. Being that I was willing to give it back to them also contributed to them being comfortable with my story. In the end Mr. C. autographed the jersey and both appreciated that it was in a good home as another piece of our family collection.
This is where the story becomes truly rewarding to me.
A short time later Jennifer, my wife Kandy, a family friend and I were sitting at a table in the Rays Season Ticket Member Club when Rays 2020 World Series hero and fan favorite Brett Phillips (we call him the Mayor of Tropicana Field) made his regular stop to say hello to all of us. He knows Jen by name, calls me Jen’s Pop, and is always amazingly friendly. He also recognizes us as being regular game day attendees since the 1998 inaugural season and on occasion picks our brains for a little early season history.
Before he could walk away I asked him if he knew the Critchfield’s and their history at the Trop. He did so I shared the story of the jersey I had autographed a few moments earlier. He immediately asked if he could borrow the jersey to wear in front of the couple while in their seats. I gave it to him and off he went.
During the next half inning break he appeared in front of the couple wearing the jersey with his back towards them and starting waiving his arms. Brett them turned to help the 90+ year old man out of his seat to give him a hug and pose for photos. The crowd around them were clapping and cheering as the two embraced. Sitting 2 levels above them our family took photos and video of the moment as I got teary eyed.
Like I said, I’ve been lucky to witness a lot of great things around ball fields during my days. What I witnessed, and to a small part were part off today is near the top of the list of those times. Thanks to the Critchfield’s and Brett Phillips for allowing us to be part of, but most importantly witness to this amazing unscripted event.
9/22 addition: Thanks to the FB page Tampa Bay Rays Fan Club for posting this story on their site. Now I know how we acquired so many Likes on the story.
