It's spring training for Raymond, too

Here’s something I just learned, being a mascot is a lot like being a pitcher.

You can’t climb into that suit and expect to go nine innings your first time out. You have to work your way up to it.

Today marks the first time Raymond will work the seventh inning this spring.
Very talented this Raymond.

But that costume is heavy and hot, and the person inside has to build the stamina to work a full nine innings, sort of like how a pitcher has to build up the arm strength.

It’s seventh inning stretch time and there’s Raymond, dancing away on the dugout roof to “Cotton-Eyed Joe.”

If it hadn't been for Cotton-Eye Joe
I'ld been married long time ago
Where did you come from where did you go
Where did you come from Cotton-Eye Joe

Oh, nothing new to report other than the pitchers are ahead of the hitters.

It’s still 6-3 Reds as the Rays come to bat in the bottom of the seventh.