Sarah Palin Likes the Tampa Bay Rays

To us, fans of the Tampa Bay Rays are like unicorns or forthright politicians—they’re rumored to exist, but we’ve never seen them with our own eyes. But now that the Rays are in the ALCS for the first time ever, we’re starting to see some notables hop on the Tampa Bay bandwagon.

Like Republican vice presidential hopeful Sarah Palin.

“How about those Tampa Bay Rays?” Palin said in Jacksonville.

Since Palin ignored our plea to leave the baseball prognosticating to the professionals, let’s examine what about the Rays’ story appeals to her.

They’re both newcomers
Palin was elected to the Wasilla city council in 1992, six years before the Tampa Bay Devil Rays officially became a Major League Baseball franchise. They look especially young when compared to institutions like their competitors, Joe Biden and the Red Sox.

They’ve both exceeded low expectations
Most analysts expected the Rays to do well in 2008 after the team shored up its pitching staff in the off-season, but very few predicted that the Rays would win the AL East. Palin managed not to trip or say anything totally boneheaded during last week’s vice presidential debate, much to the chagrin of Tina Fey.

You can hunt Raymond, but leave Wally alone:
The Rays have a vaguely animal-inspired mascot, which probably appeals to the hunting enthusiast in Palin. Jerry Remy would go ballistic if anybody decided to go after his beloved Wally.

When in a swing state. . .
Palin mentioned the AL East champions during a campaign event in Florida. If she makes a stop in Pennsylvania later this week, we’re sure she’ll pull a Hillary Clinton and throw her support to the Phillies. Luckily for her, the Rays fan base is so old they probably won’t notice her flip-flop.