TAMPA -- No surprise: The greatest player in franchise history will be inducted into the Rays Hall of Fame next year.
The decision had been expected since the Rays established their Hall of Fame during the 2023 season as part of their 25th anniversary celebration to recognize former players, coaches, executives and broadcasters. But they had to wait for Evan Longoria to retire before making it official, as he held off that decision despite not playing last season.
With Longoria officially calling it a career this summer, the doors were flown open for his induction.
According to the Rays, more details on Longoria’s 2026 Rays Hall of Fame induction will be announced ahead of next season, when the club is expected to return to Tropicana Field. There will be a formal, televised ceremony, an all-fans giveaway item and special dedications.
“Evan Longoria embodies what it means to be a Tampa Bay Ray. From the moment he stepped on the field, he brought excellence, leadership and a competitive spirit that shaped the identity of this franchise,” Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg said in a statement when the club announced Longoria’s retirement. “He, more than anyone, helped transform the Devil Rays into the Rays, and we are honored to welcome him home as he retires in the uniform where it all began.”
The team did not set a date for Longoria’s induction as part of Wednesday’s announcement. The club paused its Hall of Fame inductions this season while playing at George M. Steinbrenner Field, with the Trop unavailable due to damage caused by Hurricane Milton.
On June 7, Longoria will sign a one-day contract and formally retire with the Rays after 16 seasons in the Majors, including 10 with Tampa Bay. Longoria is expected to throw out a ceremonial first pitch as part of the celebration, which will now include a Longoria T-shirt giveaway for all fans in attendance at Steinbrenner Field.
The Rays opened their Hall of Fame in 2023 by inducting former senior advisor Don Zimmer (posthumously), Wade Boggs and Carl Crawford. Last year, they added radio broadcaster Dave Wills (posthumously) and Fred McGriff. Longoria will be the sixth member of the team’s Hall.