Rays Turn to Evan Longoria for Game 4 First Pitch as Elimination Looms
Evan Longoria will throw the ceremonial first pitch before Game 4 of the World Series on Tuesday night at Tropicana Field, FOX 13 reported, as the Tampa Bay Rays turn to a franchise legend with their season on the line.
A familiar face for a do-or-die night
The Rays host the Milwaukee Brewers at 8 p.m. ET, FOX 13 reported, with the game on FOX, FOX Deportes and FOX One. Tampa Bay trails three games to none after Milwaukee won Game 3 by 10-1 on Monday, USA TODAY reported, behind an eight-run fifth inning.
His first pitch follows the Game 3 ceremony, when former manager Joe Maddon and pitcher James Shields shared the duties, FOX 13 reported. Famous faces have filled the series all week, from Tom Cruise in the Game 3 crowd to Carly Pearce singing the anthem.
A career built in Tampa Bay
Longoria was drafted third overall by Tampa Bay in 2006 and debuted in 2008, FOX 13 reported. That year the Rays rose from last to first in the American League East and reached the franchise's first World Series. He stayed through 2017, reaching the postseason four times in his first five seasons.
USA TODAY reported his honours: 2008 American League Rookie of the Year, three All-Star selections, Gold Gloves in 2009, 2010 and 2017, a Silver Slugger Award in 2009, and sixth place in MVP voting in 2010 and 2013.
The 2011 moment Rays fans never forgot
One night secured his statue outside Gate 4, USA TODAY reported. On the final day of the 2011 season, his 12th-inning walk-off home run sent Tampa Bay to the postseason. FOX 13 reported it completed a comeback against the New York Yankees that clinched a wild-card spot over Boston in the famous Game 162.
In 2025, FOX 13 reported, he signed a one-day contract to retire as a Ray, entered the Rays Hall of Fame and saw his No. 3 retired. Tuesday is a homecoming as much as a ceremony.
What is at stake tonight
Only one team has rallied from 3-0 in a best-of-seven postseason series, FOX 13 reported: the 2004 Boston Red Sox against the Yankees. No team has reached Game 6 of a World Series after falling behind 3-0, FOX 13 added.
Whether a familiar face before first pitch lifts Tropicana Field is unknowable. What is certain is why Tampa Bay chose him: when the Rays need a spark, they reach for a player whose name is already part of the building.
Sources: USA TODAY, 27 October 2026; FOX 13 News, 27 October 2026.