Rays drop plan to advertise Montreal split season in playoffs

Rays owner Stuart Sternberg announced Tuesday that a sign promoting split seasons between Tampa Bay and Montreal won't go up at Tropicana Field during the 2021 postseason.

"I'm really here to speak directly to our fans today," Sternberg said, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. "And to apologize, quite frankly. I've always said that baseball is meant to be fun and engaging and exciting. Brings a community together.

"I made a big mistake, a real mistake, in trying to promote our sister-city plan with a sign right now in our home ballpark. I absolutely should have known better. And really, I'm sorry for that. I'm here to tell ... the fans that the sign is not going to go up."

The Rays reversed course on the decision after going public with the plan Saturday. Fans weren't pleased about news of the sign and voiced their displeasure Sunday.

Sternberg said the focus should be on the AL East champion Rays and their upcoming ALDS series.

"I knew that a sign would bring us attention. And we do want the attention. I just didn't completely process that now isn't the moment for it." Sternberg added. "Postseason is a special time. October baseball is a special time for a team and its fans, and nothing should take the attention away from the games."

The Rays are still exploring a split-season proposal to play in Tampa Bay and Montreal, starting in 2028 when their lease expires at Tropicana Field.