The Cowbell Kid

Everyone wants to be near the Cowbell girl!

In case you haven't noticed, the Tampa Bay Rays are on fire this season... Tampa Bay On Demand's Virginia Johnson caught up with one of their super-fans-the Cowbell Kid-to learn how to dress and cheer for the team-Cowbell Kid-style.
It all starts in the trunk of the cowbell kid's car in the Rays parking lot about an hour before game-time.
"I never know what I'm gonna wear to the game until I get to the game."
Among the array of costumes in the trunk of his car, the Kid chooses the "Flavor Ray" costume-homage to former Public Enemy rapper and MTV reality star Flavor Flav-complete with a Viking Hat and Rays Jersey.
For Virginia, it was a Rocky-style boxer's outfit, with fighting trunks and a two-foot high wig.
The wig was a suggestion from Ray's centerfielder B.J. Upton, when asked which of the Cowbell Kid's outfits Virginia should wear.
"I kind of like the big blue Afro," Upton grinned, "he gave me one last year so I 'm gonna say the big blue 'fro."
"As ridiculous as we look, the fans really responded to the pageantry," Virginia laughed.
Longtime ticket holder Larry Williams from St. Petersburg says, "We need more of 'em!"
Virginia learned that cowbell banging should not interrupt important plays where a pitcher is concentrating or a batter is preparing for a pitch.
Players tell Tampa Bay on Demand fans matter!
Upton is in his sixth season with the Rays.

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"It means a lot to be at your home stadium and have your fans behind you, you know I don't know if they know--tight games it gives us a little boost--gives you a little bit more to fight for."
How about Super Fans like the Cowbell Kid, who has traveled as far as St. Louis to cheer in his over-the-top outfits?
"I think it's great he's at every game, and he's rowdy in right field. Slowly but surely, he's got some more people with him. We are seeing his section start to grow...so I think this is great."

Here's cowbell kid sans wig!

Virginia says if you want to go all out, but are nervous or shy, then wear big sunglasses with your outlandish outfits. Not making eye contact with people makes it easy to be outrageous in public.
It really helped when Johnson screamed at Upton for 2 solid minutes until he gave her the thumbs-up from centerfield for going with his costume choice.

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