TAMPA (BLOOM) – At just five-years-old, Mikey Mizzi is making waves as the Tampa Bay Rays’ unofficial good luck charm. With six games under his belt, all victories, this pint-sized superfan has captured the hearts of fellow fans and even some of the players. And as the Rays gear up for their next game on September 1st, Mikey’s streak has everyone wondering: can he make it seven?
A Fandom Born in the Sunshine State
Mikey’s love affair with the Rays began during a spring training road trip to Florida in 2021. Amid the pandemic, Mikey and his family were searching for a slice of normalcy and found it in baseball. After being turned away from several other teams, the Rays welcomed them with open arms—literally. Watching behind the practice fields, Mikey went home with 17 home run baseballs and a newfound love for the team. And while Randy Arozarena once held the title of Mikey’s favorite player, the Disney-loving youngster has recently switched his allegiance to José Caballero, thanks to his fondness for “The Three Caballeros.”
Game-Day Rituals That Work Like Magic
Mikey and his dad, Joe Mizzi, have a few game-day traditions that might just be the key to the Rays’ winning streak. The first stop is always the Rays tank, where they pet the stingrays—a must-do for any superfan. Then, it’s time to take a leisurely stroll around the stadium, soaking in the atmosphere. But there’s one more tradition that sets Mikey apart: they never bring a baseball for autographs. Why? Because Mikey is absolutely confident he’ll snag one every time—and he’s never been wrong!
The Life of the Party
Mikey isn’t just a good luck charm; he’s also the life of the party at every game. Whether he’s dancing in the aisles and making it onto the Jumbotron, getting selected for cookie promotions, or catching t-shirts tossed by the cheerleaders, Mikey knows how to make the most of game day. His infectious enthusiasm has made him a fan favorite in his section, with strangers even asking for Joe’s phone number to share photos they’ve taken of Mikey in action. At the last game, Raymond the mascot even lifted Mikey up over the dugout—a moment that surely cemented his status as a Rays legend in the making.
A Night to Remember in Baltimore
Mikey’s dedication to the Rays isn’t limited to home games. One unforgettable night in Baltimore solidified his love for the team in a way that no one could have predicted. Back when the Mizzi family still lived in Pennsylvania, they drove over three hours to catch a Rays game. Mikey, just 3 ½ years old at the time, was decked out in Rays gear and sitting on the visitor’s side, catching the eye of Randy Arozarena. When Randy tossed a ball toward Mikey, it was snatched by another fan, leaving Mikey in tears. But the surrounding crowd, including Orioles fans, rallied around him. Randy noticed too, and in the next inning, he made sure Mikey got his ball—an emotional roller-coaster that ended on the highest of highs. It was a moment that brought everyone together and solidified Mikey’s lifelong loyalty to the Rays.
Looking Ahead: September 1st and Beyond
As the Rays prepare for their next game on September 1st, Mikey’s optimism is contagious. He’s confident they’ll keep the winning streak alive and even make it to the playoffs. The Mizzi family plans their games just a week or two in advance, but they hope to catch at least one or two more before the season ends.
Ballpark Favorites and Secret Traditions
When it comes to game day treats, Mikey’s favorites are as classic as they come: Dippin’ Dots and cotton candy. And while Mikey’s mom might not be a fan of hot dogs, he and his dad have a little secret tradition—sneaking in a hot dog whenever it’s just the two of them at the game. It’s a small act of rebellion that adds to the fun of their special father-son outings.
As September 1st approaches, all eyes will be on Mikey to see if his streak continues. Whether it’s the stingrays, the hot dogs, or just Mikey’s undeniable charm, something is clearly working. Here’s hoping the Rays can keep the magic alive with their littlest—and luckiest—fan cheering them on.
