Newest 'Inside the Rays' premieres Sept. 24 on FOX Sports Sun

By foxsports
Published

TAMPA, Fla. (Sept. 21, 2016) -- On Saturday, Sept. 24th at 9:30 p.m., FOX Sports Sun, the statewide television home of the Tampa Bay Rays, will debut an all-new episode of "Inside the Rays" centered on outfielder Kevin Kiermaier.

Selected in the 31st round and as the 941st player chosen in the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft, Kiermaier used his placement as extra motivation in his journey to the big leagues. "Inside the Rays: Kevin Kiermaier: Against The Odds" examines his ascent through the Rays minor league system to his arrival in Tampa Bay, resulting in Kevin becoming one of the premier outfielders in the game. The show picks up Kiermaier's story from that draft day and the recommendation of Rays Scout Tom Couston, who took notice of Kevin's skills and signed him following his two years playing for Parkland College. It was at Parkland College where he helped lead the Cobras to a NJCAA National Championship as a freshman.

Baseball America ranked him as the best defensive outfielder in the Rays system in 2011. Following a July call up to Triple A Durham, he once again helped lead a team to a title, as the Bulls captured the International League Championship. Then on Sept. 30th, 2013, Kiermaier became the first player to make his Major League debut in a single-game tiebreaker as Tampa Bay defeated Texas 5-2 in the Wild Card game. Starting the 2014 season in Durham, Kevin had two call ups to the big club before arriving for good on May 28th.

Kevin's constant hustle, highlighting making plays and humble personality made him an instant hit with fans, teammates and coaches, and in 2015, Kiermaier earned the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, the Rawlings American League Platinum Glove award and the Esurance Defensive Player of the Year. An injury on May 21st of this season put Kevin on the disabled list until his return July 15th, and once again his aggressive style and high energy play has been on display for Tampa Bay.

Rays Manager Kevin Cash, coaches Charlie Montoyo, Rocco Baldelli and Tom Foley, along with teammates Evan Longoria, Steven Souza Jr., Logan Forsythe, Chris Archer and Mikie Mahtook also discuss Kevin's impact between the lines, in the clubhouse and away from the game.

Join host Todd Kalas on FOX Sports Sun and FOX Sports GO as we debut a brand new "Inside the Rays: Kevin Kiermaier: Against the Odds," and be sure to follow @FOXSportsRays on Twitter and Instagram and visit FOXSportsFlorida.com for channel listings and exclusive Rays video coverage.

Re-Air Schedule:

Mon. 9/26/16, 7 PM

Tue. 9/27/16, 12 AM

Wed. 9/28/16, 7 PM

Thu. 9/29/16, 7 PM

Thu. 9/29/16, 12:30 AM

Fri. 9/30/16, 12:30 PM

Fri. 9/30/16, 7 PM

Sun. 10/2/16, 1:30 PM

ABOUT FOX SPORTS FLORIDA / FOX SPORTS SUN

FOX Sports Florida & FOX Sports Sun are the regional television homes of the Orlando Magic, Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Heat, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers. The regional sports networks have been fixtures in the homes of sports fans throughout the Sunshine State for over 20 years. Today, the networks combine to produce more than 700 live sporting events and over 300 studio based and original programs year round. FOX Sports Florida and FOX Sports Sun are committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve by engaging our audiences and providing award winning TV and web coverage of Florida's hometown sports teams. For more information, channel listings and how you can get involved with FOX Sports Florida / FOX Sports Sun, visit www.foxsportsflorida.com.