⚾️On March 31, 1998 the Detroit Tigers spoil the Tampa Bay Devil Rays' major league debut, beating the American League's newest team, 6-2 at Tropicana Field. Wilson Alvarez, the losing pitcher, hurls the first pitch in franchise history, a ball to Detroit's center fielder Brian Hunter. Dave Martinez collects the first hit in franchise history while Wade Boggs hits the first home run in franchise history. In their inaugural season, Tampa Bay finished last in the American League East and finished