Kevin Cash celebrated his team-record 755th victory as the manager of the Tampa Bay Rays with a wild clubhouse party, where he was showered with beer, champagne, Gatorade, shaving cream, baby powder, and who-knows-what-else. The team’s win against the Mets marked a turning point for the Rays, who had been struggling in the early part of the season. Cash’s milestone win came after a 1-5 road trip that included being swept by the White Sox and scoring only four runs in two out of three games against the Brewers. The celebratory atmosphere in the clubhouse was a stark contrast to the struggles the team had faced in the weeks leading up to the historic win.
Cash’s journey to becoming the Rays’ winningest manager began over nine years ago when he picked up his first win in a 2-0 victory over the Orioles in April 2015. Reflecting on that game, Cash mentioned that facing Buck Showalter, who was managing the Orioles at the time, was quite an honor. Jake Odorizzi, who is no longer with the Rays but got the win that day in 2015, played a role in the shutout along with three relievers. Cash, who is a Tampa native and played for the Rays in 2005, expressed his gratitude to everyone who has contributed to his success as the team’s manager, including owner Stu Sternberg, team presidents Matt Silverman and Brian Auld, and Erik Neander, the head of baseball operations.
Despite not initially thinking he would end up as the Rays’ manager, Cash credits his support system and the talented players he has had the privilege to coach for his success in the role. The Rays have experienced success under his leadership, with five consecutive playoff appearances and back-to-back American League East titles in 2020 and 2021. In 2021, the team set a franchise record with 100 victories, further solidifying Cash’s position as a successful manager in the MLB. While his first two years as manager saw mixed results with an 80-82 record in 2015 and a 68-94 record in 2016, Cash continued to work hard and build a winning team.
Cash’s longevity with the Rays has allowed him to reflect on the wins and losses he has experienced over the years. As Major League Baseball’s longest-tenured skipper with his current team, Cash acknowledges the contributions of the many players who have passed through the organization and helped him achieve his milestone victory. He attributes his success to the collective effort of the players, coaches, and staff who have supported him throughout his tenure as the Rays’ manager. Cash’s journey from bullpen coach in Cleveland to the winningest manager in Rays history is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of those around him.
Looking ahead, Cash remains focused on guiding the Rays to continued success and building on the achievements of the past seasons. With a strong team and a winning mentality, Cash is determined to lead the Rays to even greater heights in the future. As he celebrates his milestone victory, Cash remains humble and grateful for the opportunity to lead a successful team and make a lasting impact on the organization. The Rays’ clubhouse celebration was just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future under Cash’s leadership as he continues to write his name in the team’s history books as one of the most successful managers to ever lead the Tampa Bay Rays.
