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Thank You Google for Finding a Topic

I have been at a loss for words lately, but I thought that it would be nice to have something new on the blog, so I decided to do a Google news search for the term “atheist.” Of course I received a long list of results, but the one that really struck me was a post on a sports satire blog called Serious Sports News Network.

Apparently, an atheist (thanks Google) in Tampa is waging a protest against the name change of the MLB franchise, known today as the Tampa Bay Rays. They were formerly known as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Florida resident John Meyers is apparently so ticked off that he’s using nonviolent resistance to affect social change.

The heavenly rays

The heavenly rays

What’s creepy is that they are actually winning much more this year and Evangelicals are taking credit. A pastor in Pensacola wants all sports teams to get the devil out of their names.

Smithers also indicated that he thinks many other teams whose names don’t directly address Satan should still think about changing their name, like the Utah Jazz.

“Jazz is the devil’s soundtrack,” Smithers said. “Also, I have a problem with the name ‘Patriots.’ How can you love God if you love your country so much?”

I admit, I don’t know how serious any of these posts are, but the name change is true. It’s part of a major restructuring of the team who has never made it to the world series in its history.

Moreover, according to Wikipedia, the team has won 97 games this season. There may be something at work here, but it’s probably more closely related to better team management and training.

I did more Googling (because I know nothing of baseball). Today the Rays just beat the Boston Red Sox in game 3 of the American League Series. They now lead Boston 2-1 in a best of 7 series. Suffice it to say, I don’t know whether the Devil Rays will go all the way,  but it seems we probably should give credit to where it is due. Let the players win on their own.


Disclaimer: The views expressed by an individual contributor to this blog are not necessarily shared by all members of FreeThought Fort Wayne. That is what makes this organization so interesting. Commenters on the FreeThought Fort Wayne blog are expected to abide by our comment policy. About the author:  dystressed is a freethinker and a freelance writer. Read more from this author


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Discussion

5 comments for “Thank You Google for Finding a Topic”

  1. Posted by Andy S.No Gravatar | October 15, 2008, 9:37 am

    I’m not much of a baseball fan, so I had no idea Tampa Bay has been so successful this year.

    On top of that, I wasn’t aware the word “devil” had been removed from the team’s name.

    I would have to agree with Mr. Smithers on changing the name of the Utah Jazz. Maybe the Utah Latter-day Saints would be a little more appropriate. However, when the team moved from New Orleans a few years back, this probably would have been a better time to make the change.

  2. Posted by theodoersingNo Gravatar | October 15, 2008, 6:46 pm

    I’m just offended by the Jazz because there is no jazz in Utah. At least as far as I know. There are no Cardinals in Arizona either, but I haven’t done extensive research on the topic to know for sure :D

    This reminds me of the PC police that wanted the Redskins, Padres and(I think)Chiefs changed because it is apparently reminiscent of racism.

    I don’t care if the team is called the Nantucket Silly Nannies. It’s the franchise’s choice and if the Tampa Bay Devil Rays want to change it, by all means go ahead. Many times a new name and/or image is good for changing a team’s chemistry. Sometimes it does nothing at all and sometimes it looks like a bonehead decision in hindsight.

    I just don’t draw many conclusions from sports team names because I’ve heard ‘em all.

    Except for the Fort Wayne Tincups. That’s a new one to me. I don’t really like the idea of building a billion-dollar minor-league baseball stadium next to our badass library and then naming the team after a vagabond gospel preacher.

  3. Posted by dystressedNo Gravatar | October 21, 2008, 7:40 pm

    Here’s a funny update, the Rays are going to the World Series.

  4. Posted by HSCharlesNo Gravatar | November 15, 2008, 7:02 pm

    I have a flash website
    i’m looking for the script who shows google ads on flash.
    how can i get it?

  5. Posted by VexCeacrameNo Gravatar | December 17, 2008, 8:56 am

    Greetings I’m new here
    And it looks like a good forum, so just wanted to say hello! :) :):)
    And looking forward to participating.
    Going on vacation for a few days, so i’ll be back

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