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Rays No. 1 Fan? Tough To Beat The 'Cowbell Queen'

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By STEVEN GIRARDI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 22, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - ST. PETERSBURG - Are you raving over the Rays?

Well, here's the place to show it.

On this opening day of the 2008 World Series, our search is on for the top Tampa Bay Rays fan of all.

And to start the process, we present the "Cowbell Queen," aka Kathy Plank.

If you can demonstrate a level of enthusiasm that eclipses this long-time fan from St. Petersburg or you know someone who can, post your nomination in the comments below.

But Plank will be a tough one to top.

Dressed in Rays gear head to toe, she holds court at every home game in something called "The Belfry" in Section 300, above and behind home plate.

"We wanted to name our section; my husband says I'm batty," Plank explained.

To find it, follow the melody of the cowbells.

"I was always kind of noisy with my voice. Everybody kind of already knew who I was. There are about 20 to 30 of us there for every game.

"We really feel like we're part of the team. I know that sounds kind of silly. But the players, they know who we are, that we're not just there to watch; and the cowbells let them know we're here.

"We want to let fans around us know you have to get involved; you can't just sit. If you just want to sit, stay home."

Plank embraced the cowbell, as did Rays manager Joe Maddon, after the idea was mentioned by team owner Stuart Sternberg. Sternberg was a fan of the "Saturday Night Live" skit in which Christopher Walken plays a studio producer and Will Farrell portrays a member of the rock band Blue Oyster Cult. In the skit, Walken suggests to Farrell that the song they're recording needs "more cowbell." Again and again.

Hired in 2005, Maddon had already branded Tropicana Field "the Pit" in hopes of creating a raucous atmosphere.

"I went online, and I got four dozen cowbells and gave one to everybody in my section," Plank said. "After that, everybody kept coming up to me and asking for cowbells.

"I was paying 6 bucks apiece for them and selling them for 5. That's what a great business woman I am. I bought more and more, and the Rays caught on. Then they gave them away at one Red Sox game, which was cool because I didn't have to buy them anymore."

The cowbell earned her the attention of several Rays players, whom she has met, and Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, was so intrigued by the cowbells that he once invited Plank to the team's dugout — during a game.

"I've met Joe Maddon. He knows who I am. He calls me his 'Cowbell Queen.' "

It also has earned her a spot in the Rays' fans Wall of Fame Class of 2006. It is a collection of fans honored each year by the team, including the "Bubble Lady" and the "Pin Man."

The honoree gets a team jersey, an invitation to meet the players and coaches, and a chance to attend special luncheons.

"They just take care of you really good," Plank said.

If Plank can lay claim to the title of top fan, it's more for her evangelism than the noise she makes as one 62-year-old woman.

"We had two people who wanted to buy season tickets in our section. And the ticket sales rep said, 'Do you know anything about that section?' They said, 'Yeah! That's why we want those seats.' "

"We feel our section is a community. That's the way it should be."

Reporter Steven Girardi may be reached at (727) 451-2333.

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