WEST TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Rays will hold a free block party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 5 at Macfarlane Park, 1700 N. MacDill Ave.
Catcher Dioner Navarro will sign autographs from 11 a.m. to noon.
"We wanted to put something together that is fun and reaches out to the community," said Heather French, the Rays' senior marketing coordinator.
"We want to become the region's team."
There will be a speed pitch booth, a Wiffle ball booth for children and Wiffle ball pickup games at the West Tampa Little League baseball field across from the park.
The Rays will give out promotional items, Spanish radio station La Nueva (WYUU, 92.5 FM), will provide a disc jockey and La Teresita Restaurant will provide food.
Last year, the Rays' grounds crew installed sod and added 40 tons of clay to the infields at West Tampa Little League. The crew improved the pitching mounds and bullpens and added bases with safety features.
The team, along with other organizations, also built a concession stand and added a stainless-steel roof over the bleachers. The work was estimated at $100,000.
West Tampa resident Leo Alvarez, who helped get the Rays to invest in the Little League, hopes the celebration becomes an annual event.
"It brings more recognition to the West Tampa area and what we are all about," Alvarez said. "West Tampa is a community that is family friendly."
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Tampa Bay Rays Block Party Celebration, featuring a pitching booth, Wiffle ball games, music and food
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 5; catcher Dioner Navarro will sign autographs from 11 a.m. to noon
WHERE: Macfarlane Park, 1700 N. MacDill Ave.
COST: Free
CONTACT: Heather French at (727) 825-3182 or hfrench@raysbaseball.com
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