Rays Invite Kevin Millar to Suite for Playoff Push
The Tampa Bay Rays hope a familiar face can spark a historic comeback after a dramatic Game 4 win.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Baseball
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The Tampa Bay Rays brought MLB Network broadcaster Kevin Millar into their ownership suite at Tropicana Field during Game 4 of the World Series. The team hopes his presence will serve as a good luck charm to help them overcome a three-game deficit against the Brewers.
Why it matters
The Rays are aiming to replicate the historic 2004 American League Championship Series comeback, where the Boston Red Sox overcame a three-game series disadvantage to win. They believe involving Millar, a veteran of that legendary series, could provide the necessary momentum.
The Rays secured a victory in the 12th inning after four consecutive singles and an errant throw by Joey Ortiz. The win followed a tight 3-2 contest that featured a home run from Cooper Pratt.
The players
Kevin Millar
He is an MLB Network broadcaster who famously played for the 2004 Boston Red Sox during their historic comeback from a 3-0 series deficit.
Patrick Zalupski
He is the principal owner of the Tampa Bay Rays who extended the invitation for the broadcaster to join the team suite.
Ben Williamson
He is the Rays player who hit the decisive walkoff single to extend the World Series.
Joey Ortiz
He is the Brewers player whose 12th-inning errant throw contributed to the Rays scoring the winning runs.
The details
Ben Williamson delivered a pinch-hit, walkoff single in the bottom of the 12th inning to keep the Rays alive in the series. The rally was aided by a critical defensive miscue from Joey Ortiz, which allowed the team to put together four straight singles.
Timeline
The Rays invited Kevin Millar to the suite on Tuesday night, October 27, 2026.
The Red Sox completed their historic 3-0 series comeback in 2004.
Game 5 of the World Series is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The Rays are looking to the 2004 American League Championship Series as their roadmap for surviving the World Series. By inviting Kevin Millar to the suite, the organization is attempting to shift the momentum of the series and extend their season beyond Game 4.
The Rays must win three consecutive games against the Brewers to secure the World Series title. Any further losses for the team will immediately end the series and their season.
The takeaway
Superstition and history often play a major role in sports psychology, especially when teams face daunting elimination deficits. Fans can watch to see if this unconventional strategy of bringing in a veteran consultant helps the team force a Game 6.
What happens next
The team plans to have Kevin Millar in the suite for Wednesday's Game 5 and will host him in Milwaukee for potential future games if the series continues.
Further reading
For more coverage on the team's postseason run, visit Baseball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tampa Bay Times.
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