Dick Vitale Backs Rays to Win World Series in Seven Games

A Lifelong Baseball Fan Finds a New Home

Dick Vitale grew up in New Jersey, nearly 60 years before Tampa Bay played its inaugural season. As a kid, he rooted for local teams in the Tristate area and visited historic ballparks like Yankee Stadium, the Polo Grounds, and Ebbets Field.

He watched legendary players like Mickey Mantle, Duke Snider, and Willie Mays, holding a special fondness for Mantle and the Yankees. Later in life, his coaching and broadcasting work took him to Florida.

Dedicated Fan Support on and Off the Field

When Major League Baseball granted Tampa an expansion franchise in the 1990s, Vitale bought season tickets right away. He has cheered for the team near the visitors dugout at Tropicana Field since their inaugural 1998 season.

Vitale knows his baseball stats, often talking about players like Evan Longoria and Junior Caminero. He also stays active on social media during games. Over nine postseason games, he posted 32 times on X, including six posts after Tampa Bay beat the Cleveland Guardians to win the American League pennant.

Predicting a World Series Victory

Looking ahead to the World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, Vitale remains confident in his adopted home team. Vitale said he knows people view the Brewers as total favorites, but he is picking the Rays in seven games. He added that he will be sitting in his usual seats for every home game at Tropicana Field.

What it means for the next game

Tampa Bay Rays at Milwaukee Brewers (MLB, Sat, 24 Oct): Milwaukee Brewers win 54%, Tampa Bay Rays win 46%; projected score Milwaukee Brewers 4, Tampa Bay Rays 3. Our safest pick: Over 4 runs. Our best value pick: Brewers -1.5.

Tampa Bay Rays at Milwaukee Brewers (MLB, Sun, 25 Oct): Milwaukee Brewers win 63%, Tampa Bay Rays win 37%; projected score Milwaukee Brewers 5, Tampa Bay Rays 3. Our safest pick: Rays +3.5.