World Series: Meet Raymond, the Tampa Bay Rays mascot

As the Tampa Bay Rays face the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2026 World Series, there will be three characters cheering on the Rays and hyping up the crowds – especially ahead of Games 3 & 4 in Florida.Raymond's origin storyRaymond's backstory begins in 1998 as scouts for the then-Tampa Bay Devil Rays were on a fishing trip in the Gulf and "spotted a strange-looking animal," who had a taste for hot dogs and hibachi, according to the team's website. He climbed aboard their boat and won them over with his "silly antics." From there, the idea was born to make this sea creature the team's mascot.What is Raymond – a walrus, a manatee, something else?While Raymond's face may resemble a walrus and his belly similar to a manatee, he's actually a Sea dog, a "previously undiscovered species of dog."His official species name: Canus Manta Whatthefluffalus.Here are some of Raymond's favorite thingsAccording to his official bio, here are some of his favorites:Color: BlueFood: Popcorn, cotton candy, and h