The Tampa Bay Rays (known as the Devil Rays before shortening their name for the 2008 season) entered Major League Baseball's American League East Division in 1998. And for the first nine years of their existence, the Rays were less than successful, finishing dead last in the American League East Division eight times and second to last once. But then something amazing happened, Tampa Bay transformed itself to one of the most consistent playoff threats in the MLB. This is one of the most remarkable turnarounds in history. As a small-market team incapable of competing on a financial level with the likes of the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay was instead forced to build its team through the draft with a much slimmer margin for error. But, obviously, they’ve managed to do a remarkable job. A Reversal of Identity In 2008, the Rays made a 31-game improvement on their 2007 record and launched themselves into the World Series behind a slew of former draft picks who were finally ready to contribute. Starting pitchers Scott Kazmir (who was actually drafted by the New York Mets, but came to the Rays in a trade for pitcher Victor Zambrano), Andy Sonnanstine, and James Shields were key members of the pitching staff. Third baseman Evan Longoria, left fielder Carl Crawford, and center fielder B.J. Upton were just a few positional players who came in and thrived, hitting the ball and wreaking havoc on the base paths.  Save on Tampa Bay Rays Tickets While the Rays didn’t win the World Series that year, they did capture the franchise’s first AL Pennant. Purchase discounted Tampa Bay Rays tickets and watch as one of baseball's most exciting rosters make a run at their first World Series Championship.