Ken Babby's Success, Sternberg's Legacy, & Stadium Design Talk With Yale Students BaseballBiz On Deck podcast

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Ken Babby's success, Sternberg's Legacy, & Stadium Design talk with Yale students

5d ago 38:05

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Mat and analyst Mark dive into a big week for Tampa Bay baseball fans as the Rays transition to new ownership and the future of the franchise begins to take shape.

Pumpkin spice & postseason baseball:
Reflecting on Stu Sternberg’s era:
- Dropping the “Devil” & building consistent winning seasons.
- Iconic Rays moments: Evan Longoria’s homer, Brosseau vs. Chapman, Arozarena’s postseason magic.
- Sternberg’s legacy— building success on a budget & supports local causes
Meet the new leadership:
- Spotlight on Ken Babby, incoming Rays CEO with a track record in minor league rebranding (Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, Akron RubberDucks).
- Babby’s community-driven philosophy: family fun, affordable entertainment, and building strong local ties.Success stories: attendance boosts, stadium upgrades, and stronger fan connections.
What’s next for the Rays:
- Potential rebranding and stadium renovations?
- Immediate challenges facing new ownership, including stadium location decisions.
- How Babby’s experience and family sports background may help reshape the franchise & increase attendance
Stadium talk with fresh perspective:
- Mark shares insights from meeting Janet Marie Smith (Orioles, Dodgers, Camden Yards architect) and her Yale architecture students studying stadium design along the Gulf Coast
- Review of past Rays stadium proposals—Suncoast Dome, Al Lang concepts, Gas Plant, Ybor visions, GASWORX,and more.
- Community-first design trends: mixed-use neighborhoods, retail, walkable spaces, and unique local character.
Looking ahead:
- We’re feeling positive vibes from the Rays’ new leadership
- Looking forward to see the imprint they may make on the Rays team culture and stadium development.
- Why patience and optimism are key as ownership takes its first steps

Key Quote:

"Families and corporate groups come to the games for the memories, not just for the wins and losses. It's about affordable family fun, community engagement, and creating moments that last." – Fast Forward Sports Group

Listen to the full conversation for in-depth analysis, stories from Tampa baseball history, and why the Rays’ future looks both challenging and full of promise.

You can find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark at [email protected] BaseballBiz on Deck, at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com
Special Thanks to Scott Holmes for the music Stomps & Claps

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