Only In Florida

Despite the fact that the "Devil Ray" is an aquatic creature commonly found in the Gulf of Mexico, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays have decided that their former nickname was far too offensive. They've removed the "Devil" from their name. That's right, in an apparent move to make the team more likeable, they're now just the Tampa Bay Rays.

Yeah, that's what they needed. The fact that they're the only team that's never made the MLB playoffs-- that's not the reason why people don't go to their games. But now that they've given the devil the boot, I'm sure people will be lining up at the gates, right?

I bet you're curious why they didn't change it to "Manta Rays." Well, apparently someone thinks that when people hear the word "ray," they think about "rays" of sunshine. And the Sunshine State.

Personally, I think of Ray Liotta. Maybe he should be their new mascot.