I tell you what . . . there really couldn't be a sad ending to this story. Although we did lose to the Phillies in five games, it was the best season and best group of guys I've ever been a part of. From all the ups and downs this season brought us, the one thing I'm able to take from this is more than a handful of friends I know I'll have for life. There's so much behind-the-scenes action that takes place to let us 25 guys do what we do on the field. The guys in charge of the behind-the-scenes action are an amazing group of guys. From our clubbies, to our traveling secretary, to our trainers and strength and conditioning coach. . . . they allowed us to concentrate 100 percent on the game as well as keep us healthy throughout the year.

To sum up the year, let me share a couple of my highlights. My No. 1 highlight of the 2008 season was making it to the World Series as a Tampa Bay Ray. My No. 2 highlight would have to be playing in Yankee Stadium during its final year, where I was able to hit two home runs off two future Hall of Famers: Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte. On the way, I scooped two cup fulls of dirt into a Ziploc bag from the homeplate area. Another 2008 highlight for me came during Interleague play . . . where I had a 15-pitch pinch hit home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Here's to hoping that I am lucky enough to get back into the postseason, even the World Series, again in the future. Until then, I'll be playing the game like I always do . . . with two things always in mind: Respect for the game and hustle.

Jonny Gomes

#31

Yesterday (Friday) was a travel day for us. When we arrived in Philly we had to report to the field at 5 p.m. for a light batting practice and workout. Today, we have a 4 p.m. bus taking us to the field with a police escort due to the hostile Phillies fans and for security reasons.

Looking out the window right now I see a light rain and wind. It's going to be a cold, wet night.

Tonight's game will make history due to the largest age difference between starting pitchers in World Series history. We are starting a young power arm, Matt Garza, who is 24. The Phillies are starting a well-traveled veteran, Jamie Moyer, who is 45 years old.

Hopefully my next blog will be about our Game 3 win!

Jonny Gomes

#31

That's what I'm talking about ... big win for the Rays!

Something we've been able to do all year is bounce back from tough losses. We were confident coming into today knowing Big Game James Shields would take the ball and start tonight. We caught momentum early by scoring two runs in the first inning. The crowd from that moment on what nothing less than electric. 41,000-plus fans all rocking the newest trend "Rayhawk" and ringing their cowbells as loud as possible.

Today I wore a mic for the national feed for Fox and MLB. It's always fun doing things like that, but you really have to be careful what you say because it is a family show.

When we needed our pitchers to step up they really did. By shutting down the Philly offense after tonight's game, they are 0-19 with runners in scoring position. To finish the game off, (Rays manager Joe) Maddon sent in (rookie David) Price to shut the door. Wow, what an electric arm this guy has! A 97 mph fastball with a 91 mph slider from the left side, which is unheard of in this day and age. To top it all of, he got drafted just this year.

After slapping high fives on our field, spirits were high and we're ready to ride the momentum wave into Philadelphia.

One of the highlights of my day was watching the five-star general throw out the first pitch of the game. Tomorrow, we have a noon flight to Philly, followed by a workout at 6 p.m. on the field. I'll check in with you guys tomorrow.

Jonny Gomes

#31

Game 1 over, 3-2, we lost.

I got a breath of fresh air this morning when seven of my closest friends from the 707 area came out to share the experience of the World Series with me.

At 8:05 p.m. there were introductions where we went out onto the first base line and listened to the National Anthem of Game 1, which was sung by the Backstreet Boys. Then started a dynamic battle between two young lefties, Cole Hamels and Scott Kazmir. The wind was taken out of our sails for a minute after the first-inning home run by Chase Utley. But after Aki's RBI double and Crawford's solo home run, we were right back in the game.

When Hamels came out in the seventh inning, we could do nothing but tip our hats to a dominant left-handed pitching performance in Game 1 of the World Series. We know how tough the Phillies' bullpen is but we always have hope when playing at home. Brad Lidge closed the game out in a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth.

After the game, everybody was still positive in the clubhouse. We thought back to losing Game 1 in the ALCS against Boston and know that we still have a good chance of winning the Series. We tip our hats to the Phillies in Game 1. We will clear the slate and be ready for Game 2 with Big Game Shields on the mound. Talk to you later.

Jonny Gomes

#31