Spectrum Sports 360's Mike Cairns is in Arlington, Texas, for this week's World Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Dodgers. He'll be posting regular blog updates, so check back often!

You can follow Mike's in-game updates and analysis on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeCairns5 ... and make sure to watch Spectrum Sports 360 each night at 10:30 for more World Series coverage.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28 

2:42 a.m.

I am back at the hotel room, my story is done for tomorrow's am show, and I am packing for my return to Tampa. What a ride these last eight days have been. My camera dud, Randy Levine and I told some incredible stories and I am proud of the work we did.

Yes, they were 14-15 hour days, but this is a bucket list moment for me and I will never forget it. I hope you like the blog and I hope I made you feel like you were right along with me on this trip. Thank you for following along, it's been a blast. Well off to pack and get up in a few hours for my flight home. Good Night and GO RAYS!!

 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27

11:35 p.m.

The Rays season is over. The Dodgers defeated the Rays in six games 4-2. Rays fans will always remember the 6th inning, when Kevin Cash took Blake Snell out of the game after giving up a basehit, even tough it was just the second hit of the game and Snell was locked in, striking out nine batters in just 4 innings. After Blake was pulled, the Dodgers went on two score two runs in the inning and go on to win the World Series 3-1.

What a ride it has been for the Rays, the best record in the American League, beating the mighty Yankees and the defending American League Champion Astros on the way to the World Series for just the second time in the franchises history. There is a lot to be proud about with this group and the future is bright. Yes, the Rays do things differently, but it's working, despite a baseball season cut short by the pandemic, still the best two teams in baseball made it to the fall classic.

There is a lot to be proud of and Rays fans can hold there heads high, this is a team that will be back, you can count on that.
 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26

10:00 a.m.

Good Morning from Arlington. Today is the second scheduled off day of this series. Rain has moved in here in Texas and will be with us for the rest of the time we are here. Today rainy conditions, high 50. The Rays will not workout today. NO rest for the weary for me and my super camera man Randy Levine, who has been killing it with all the feature stories we have been sending back to Bay area fans on Spectrum Bay News 9 and News 13 Orlando.

Randy has out together some great stories and makes video magic out of what I write, he has been doing a great job. This morning Randy and I will sit down with Tampa Bay Rays Fox Sports Sun TV Analyst Doug Weachter once again to rest where we are in the series now, Dodgers lead 3-2, and go over some key talking points about what has happened thru the first 5 games of this series. His breakdown will air tonight on Spectrum Sports 360. It looks like I will have to go over to the stadium today to do my live shots, the first off day we did them outside Globe Life Field, but with 90% rain expected today it looks like inside it shall be.

I was reading on a certain website, that now the Dodgers are an 83% favorite to win the World Series, I think the Rays have another comeback in them. I think Blake Snell pitches well in Game 6. I am going to try and get all my work done tonight so Randy and I can go out and enjoy a Texas steak. Yes Sir! Thats the plan.​

 

 

 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25

11:30 p.m.

Willie Adames strikes out and the ball game is over. The Rays trail 3-2 in this series and face their first elimination game of the series on Tuesday night. It was a frustrating night for the Rays who constantly were able to get lead off hitters on but could not bring them home. For the fourth time in 5 games the Rays played from behind and with a future Hall of Famer on the mound, he proved even on a day he didn't have his best stuff, he knows how to protect a lead. Tyler Glasnow on the other hand had command problems the first two innings which led to another early Dodgers lead. 

Tomorrow is the second scheduled day off for the teams, Blake Snell will take the mound on Tuesday night. The weather here for the rest of the week does not look good. Rain in the forecast all week with temps barely getting out of the 50's.

I'm off to bed folks, I will catch up with you in the morning.

9:00 p.m.

Not the start the Rays were hoping for, Dodgers jumped on Tyler Glasnow in the first for two runs and added another in the second. With Clayton Kershaw pitching, sometimes that is more then enough. I have noticed the Rays are attacking Kershaw in a different way, Margot's bunt tells me the Rays want to try to use more of their team speed, combining power and a little small ball. Let's see if that strategy pays off. Right now Glasnow needs a quick inning, his pitches are piling up and it's too soon to go to the bullpen. 

5:00 p.m.

The fans are starting to come in and maybe it's just me but I feel like I am seeing more Rays fans. Let's hope thats a good sign for tonight.

3:00 p.m.

As I arrived at the ballpark this afternoon, it was foggy and drizzling with teams in the 60's. There is a chance of rain during the game tonight so the roof will remained closed. It is a totally different feel when it is closed.

Tonight's pitching matchup is a rematch of game one - Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw.

Kershaw dominated the Rays in game one, but after last night's magic who knows?

10:30 am

Good Morning! I am still fired up from last night's win. Now the Rays and Dodgers are tied at 2-2 and my stay just got extended here in Arlington. Game 5 today and I don't know how you can top last night but you just never know. Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw, the game one starters are your pitchers tonight. Temperatures remain in the 50's, high in the low 70's with a game time temp in the 60's. There is a chance of rain tonight sometime during the game so that will impact wether the roof opens or close.

3:30 am

It took a while to get of out Globe Life Field, I have so much energy from that it was like 10 cups of coffee in the morning. I have written and filed my story for the morning show and now it's off to bed. I will talka to you in the morning.

Good Night!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24

11:15 PM

What an ending last night, the craziest end to a baseball game that I have ever seen! You want to talk about something that can motivate a team, this is it. Brett Phillips is a local guy, he went to Seminole High School, he hadn't had a hit since September, and it was his first at bat of the post season. The Rays were down to their final out, final strike and facing a 3-1 deficit, with Clayton Kershaw waiting to pitch on Sunday, and Phillips delivers a Tampa Bay Rays memory that will live on for a long time.

Do you beleive in karma? I actually did a story tonight on Brett Phillips parents here at the World Series sharing the moment with him, I can only imagine what they felt when the whole thing unfolded right in front of their eyes. This was truly the most incredible post season thing I have ever seen in person.

7:17 pm First pitch from Ryan Yarbrough and we are underway here at Globe Life Field.

5:00 pm We just finished our live shots for Tampa and Orlando, now we are off to interview Brett Phillips family who is here to watch their son play in the World Series. Brett has been a pinch runner (Game 2) and caught a fly ball out in that same game. The story will air tonight on Spectrum Sports 360.

The roof is open here at Globe Life and the temps are down right chilly, I can tell you that. Good thing I bought that heavier coat, right?

3:00 pm We sat down with the Rays radio team, Dave Wills and Andy Freed for a story that will air Sunday night on Spectrum Sports 360, great insight and stories that have called Tampa Bay Rays games together for 16 years including both World Series appearances.

12:00 pm Had to run out quick today and actually buy a jacket due to the temps dropping here in Arlington. Game time only expected around 58 so I think roof stays closed again, but even after 4 years in Florida I already have the Florida blood and needed to purchase this coat.

I will never need this in Florida, is it bad if I am thinking to give as a gift for Christmas to somebody? I don't want it to go to waste. Should I Minnie Pearl it and wear with the tags on? Decisions, decisions.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23

8:00 pm Rays are the home team for the next three games, so this ballpark becomes the Trop so to speak, beggining with the great BK Jackson on the sax. Love this guy.

6:00 pm Live Shots all done here for day, now setting up stories for tomorrow and getting ready for my 10:30pm show Spectrum Sports 360.

They played a Rays fire the fans video up before the game and it gave me goosebumps. Seems like more Rays fans here tonight as I look around. The first two games seemed heavy Dodgers but our fans from the Bay are coming for the weekend. ​

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22

1:00 pm Back to the hotel from our daily breakfast spot, "Waffle House." With the change in temperatures, I actually had to go to a local store and buy a light coat for the next few days. I brought sweatshirts but was not planning on 40 degrees on some of the days, so that's an unexpected hit to the wallet. Getting ready to head over to the ballpark. See you tonight at 5pm on Bay News 9 and News 13 Orlando to get you ready for game three.

Charlie Morton gets the start and you could not ask for a better guy to have pitching, one of the most experienced post season pitchers in baseball. Morton has started in 5 postseason games in his career and won all 5. I read a stat this morning, Morton has appeared and won four winner take all games, that is the most in baseball history. No other pitcher has won more then two. I leave you with that feel good thought as I head to Globe Life Field.​

Mike Cairns captured this image of Rays and Dodgers fans arriving for Friday's Game 3.

6:00 pm Just finished our live shots for the day outside of Globe Life Field. Very quiet over there at the ballpark today with workers hustling around. Fans arriving for this weekend's games would drive up and get out for selfies and group pictures.

I am back at the hotel now and working on tonight's Spectrum Sports 360 piece as well as tomorrow morning's story.

This will be a short blog tonight, as I will be off to dinner to enjoy my only free night and hit the sack before midnight for the first time in 5 days. Talk to you tomorrow, game day, with Charlie Morton on the mound.

4:00 pm Live Shot time, tonight we are talking about how last night's Rays' win really stole the momentum away from the Dodgers Game 1 win. There is a lot of energy around the Rays, both locally and nationally, Rays fans have been pouring into Arlington to support this team. It will be interesting to see what it's going to be like when the Rays are the home team the next three days.

1:00 pm It's a beautiful day here in Arlington, walking out to get lunch, taking a break from story writing for a bit.

Our hotel is located less then one mile away from Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium. Both act as a pretty cool backdrop when you are walking around. We are also right across the street from Six Flags here in Arlington but it is quiet due to the pandemic. Weird to see these big empty parking lots that would be full of people.

11:00 am Back up in my room after my one on one with former Rays pitcher Doug Waechter.

He has so much knowledge and insight from playing the game, that's why he does such a great job on Sun Sports Florida.

Putting my stories together for my live shots for Bay News 9 and News 13 this afternoon.

9:30 am Good Morning from Arlington, got my coffee in me and heading down to the lobby to shoot a segment for Spectrum Sports 360 with former Rays Pitcher and Fox Analyst Doug Waechter. Today is an off day here in Arlington.

1:30 am Last story has been written for the morning and now it's off to bed. Thursday is an off day for both teams but not for this guy, up early and start all over again. Good Night.

11:30 pm The Rays hang on for a 6-4 win in Game 2 and you can feel the energy as Rays fans pour out of Globe Life Field and into the streets of Arlington full of optimisim that wasn't there 24 hours ago, and why not, Tampa Bay has tied the series up and on Friday they have their most experienced post season pitcher on the mound in Charlie Morton. You just kind of feel the momentum has turned.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21

8:00 pm Brad Paisley sang the national anthem. It was a cool acoustical version.

7:00 pm After dinner, back to our seats to settle in for tonight's Game 2.  The stadium is beginning to fill up to the regulated capacity. Last night it was 11,300, or roughly 25 percent of stadium capacity, tonight same thing. Tickets are selling in the $300-$1,000 range. Uber driver last night told me he drove a guy into town who spent $9,000 for four tickets to all seven games. Wow!

6:00 pm Ducked into the World Series store to buy a few trinkets and souvenirs to commemorate this trip. Then back to the press area, high above home plate, to begin my story on Charlie Morton which will air tonight at 10:30 p.m. on Spectrum Sports 360.

5:45 pm Second live shot for Spectrum News 13, our sister station in Orlando. Everybody, no matter where they live, can't get enough of the Rays and this World Series.

5:04 pm First live shot for the great fans of the Bay area on Spectrum Bay News 9. The live shots are done from center field here. TV cameras and reporters from all over the country and world socially distanced, filing their reports on this game.

3:00 pm Arriving at the media entrance of Globe Life Field, you have to drive by the Cowboys' massive AT&T Stadium. They occupy the same street — named Cowboy Way. What else, right? The house that Jerry built is an unbelievable site. You don't have to be a Cowboys fan to appreciate what he has built. It's a beauty.

2:45 pm As I climbed into my Uber with All-Star photographer Randy Levine, I felt pretty confident about the Rays' chances tonight with "Snellzilla" on the mound. I think the big key will be for Blake to limit the number of pitches he throws early and pound the strike zone with his fastball and great curve. If his breaking pitch is on tonight, the Rays win!!!!

11:00 am After finishing my story that will air during my 5:00 p.m. live shot on Bay News 9, it was off to Waffle House for a big breakfast and then back to the hotel to get ready for Game 2. 

9:30 am To quote Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, I woke up feeling dangerous today. After three days here in Arlington I am finally starting to get my "World Series" legs under me so to speak. After a few strong cups of coffee, which has been my lifeline to jump-start my mornings, I hit the computer to put together a story on Game 2 starter Blake Snell. Snell has been with the Rays five years and will start his first World Series game tonight. He will have 15 members of his family in attendance to cheer him on, including his mom, dad and three brothers. It will be a special moment for the kid from Seattle.

1:30 am Story done, sent to Bay News 9 for the morning, off to bed to get ready for game two. Blake Snell gets the start, I feel confident the Rays win this one. I still believe this will be a seven game series. Good night all, talk to you in the am.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20

10:30 pm Rays with the last out of an 8 -3 loss in game one to the Dodgers. I know the outcome wasn't what we were looking for, but as I got back to my hotel room and started working on my story for the morning - yes still working, you didn't think I was done after the game did you? Anyway, I was still living off the high of covering my first World Series game. It's not the way I would have liked with all the virtual interviews after the game but it has been the new norm for a while now.

7:17 pm Clayton Kershaw throws the first pitch and the World Series is underway.

Looking around at the people who are here, this crowd looks like it is much bigger than 11,000 people, and they are loud.

5:30 p.m. local time and all of a sudden I see people streaming through the doors, fans!, YES FANS! The World Series will have up to 11,000 fans a day, and Tampa Bay was well represented, I saw Rays fans from all over, it was just so nice again to be inside a ballpark that had a pre-game buzz to it, thanks to the fans. 

All of this excitement was leading up to the first pitch!

Now, I am getting excited all over again, the anticipation level is high.

4:00 pm We got settled and got ready for our live shots on Bay News 9 and News 13 Orlando, it was my chance now to fire up our great viewers and let them feel the energy I felt when I walked in the building. The place was packed with reporters from all over the country.

I had the chance to speak one on one with Marc Topkin on the Tampa Bay Times, "Topper" has covered the rays for 23 years, no one else in our Tampa/St.Pete market has more history reporting on the team then Marc. He is such a wealth of knowledge, our conversation was part of our show Tuesday on Spectrum Sports 360. I hope you had a chance to check it out.

3:30 pm All of a sudden over the loud speakers they start playing the tune Space Oddessy, you know the one with the big building sound, the reason? They were opening the roof, apparently that's the tune they play everytime they open the retractable roof here at Globe Life. The roof takes about two minutes to fully open, about the length of the song, pretty cool right?

3:00 pm We arrived at Globe Life Field to begin our workday at the park.

Arriving on game day is a feeling that is tough to describe, but a World Series game day and it's your hometown team, is just an unbelievable feeling of pride that I feel, that the city I call home is playing on baseball's biggest stage, and I am here to cover it all.

TUESDAY MORNING (Mike's first post)

When I first found out I was traveling to the World Series you can imagine how excited I was to cover such a great event. In my 35 years of TV I have covered just about everything, but never a World Series and never one like this.

Arriving in Texas, a crisp 66 degrees and fog greeted us, not Tampa weather, but you try to adjust. I did pack sweat shirts for the trip.

A trip like this you prepare to hit the ground running and my photographer Randy Levine and I were up to the challenge. We headed to the hotel to drop off gear and off to Globe Life Park to pick up our media credentials, covering a world series in a pandemic, I had no idea what to expect when we got there. 

Monday was going to be a work out day for the Rays so we got what we needed and headed into the brand new stadium. It was quiet. I have been to plenty of ballparks well before game times or workouts, but this one just seemed different, an eery quiet.

The field was all decked out and ready for game one Tuesday. It was announced it will be Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw. An interesting matchup, because, Tyler is from California and grew up watching Kershaw.