AL EAST CHAMPIONS!  It all came to pass at 12:52am this morning when the NY Yankees beat the Red Sox.  Not since Baltimore in 1997 has a team other than Boston or NY won the division.  Now, the Rays have a slice of MLB history. 

    Joe Maddon and his team had long left Comerica Park in Detroit, back at the hotel, awaiting the outcome at Fenway.  Some of the players took in other sites in the city.  But, when it was official, they congregated as a team again, arriving back at Comerica Park to celebrate.  The bubbly was a flow'in.  Not exactly the way the Rays envisioned this celebration, then again, who really envisioned this incredible season. 

    I know the REAL season is about to begin, with all Rays fans heading into unchartered waters.  Perhaps it only appropriate that we reflect back on what just happened.  Pleasing  me most is how this collection of athletes proved "a team" can prevail over star power.  It restores our inner most beliefs that nothing is unattainable in life.  Being in this business for over three decades, I take with me the memories of times such as these.  A team that stuck it out.  A team with an uncanny ability to turn a manager's belief into something so special.  The player's didn't just buy into Joe Maddon's philosophy, they embraced it.  How refreshing it is to see veteran players like Cliff Floyd and Troy Percival take time to help the young studs along.  Those are the kind of moments I care to remember rather than wins or loses.  Even if the Rays didn't get this far, it would nothing less special to me.

     Furthermore, it comes at a time of great economic uncertainty, not only for those affected in the Tampa Bay area, but worldwide.  Times are tough, but somehow, for however a brief moment it is, one forgets the problems and draws a smile.  That's sports.  A staple of this community that draws out unmatched passion and emotion.  

     To think, within a decade, we just might have three Title holders.  The Bucs, the Lightning, and perhaps, the Rays.  I ask that even those of you who care less about sports, sit back, and take this in.  These players do care.  They represent you as a community every day they step on that field.  Many, through the course of time, have gone much deeper into the fabric of Tampa Bay, reaching out to help.  Some of those moments are publicized, many are not.   While to some of you they just play a game, to me, it goes much further.  Believe it or not, what they do on the field has lasting impressions on how others view us as a whole in Tampa Bay. 

      You may have noticed that we have embraced the slogan "Tampa Bay's got game." here at ABC Action News.  You don't just throw out something like that.  You earn it!  By gosh, we have, and be proud of it. 

       As for the Rays, their post-season journey will get underway next week.  I'm in awe of the road they've paved so far.  Now we all take a back seat, and who knows where the Rays road ultimately leads to.  But, we'll enjoy it.  How about you?

        Tom Korun