"A player's player. Congrats to Evan on a stellar career," Fan pour tribute in as Evan Longoria retires with Tampa Bay Rays

Even as Evan Longoria retired on June 7, 2025, baseball fans still remember his historic Game 162 walk-off and the one-day contract he made with the Tampa Bay Rays, who helped him earn a spot in the Hall of Fame. This 39-year-old third baseman’s incredible home run against the New York Yankees on September 28, 2011, will always be remembered as a highlight of Major League Baseball, showing the determination that both Evan Longoria and the Tampa Bay Rays had during his decade in St. Petersburg. Celebrating his retirement ceremony at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the significance of that night perfectly finishes his career, which changed the Tampa Bay Rays from a team that always struggled to one that reached the playoffs.On September 28, 2011, the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees proved how fun and unexpected baseball’s results can be. Sitting at 0-0 in the 12th inning of the Wild Card game, Evan Longoria had to face Cory Wade as the New York Yankees' reliever. Besides ensuring a place in the playoffs for the Tampa Bay Rays, the walk-off home run made for one of the most memorable nights in baseball, due to the Red Sox losing to the Orioles.Fan reactions on social media demonstrate the lasting impact of that unforgettable evening. Stephany James (@StephanyJames18) tweeted: "That was a night to remember! Congratulations to Evan Longoria for an amazing career and game 162! All the best to Evan and his family!"This tweet directly celebrated Evan Longoria’s career achievement and his most career-defining moment. After retirement, the ceremony concluded with fans flooding social media with heartfelt messages. Meanwhile, Scotty (@ScottyBseball) emphasised the historical significance: "Game162 was the greatest like hour of mlb ever. If No1 knows about that night, YouTube 'game 162'. Truly phenomenal."Fabs celebrated Evan Longoria’s incredible journey with the franchise. The range of comments on the retirement posts clearly shows their fierce loyalty towards the former Tampa Bay Rays third baseman. Besides, what's particularly touching is how supporters connected his retirement to that legendary Game 162 momentSome fans even went ahead to say that Longoria's retirement marks the end of an era for clutch performances and championship-calibre leadership. Even rival team supporters showed respect, with one New York Yankees fan admittingUrban Shocker (@UrbainShockcor) added an interesting perspective as a Yankees fan: "As a Yankee fan, I cheered wildly for the Rays in this game because of what it set up." This cross-team appreciation highlights how Evan Longoria's moment transcended traditional rivalries.Evan Longoria’s retirement ceremony with the Tampa Bay Rays showed how talented he was, as he recorded 342 homers, drove in 1,149 runs, and had a bWAR of 58.9 in his career. During his years in Tampa Bay, Upton was selected for three All-Star Games, got three Gold Glove Awards, earned one Silver Slugger Award, and was named the 2008 American League Rookie of the Year.His achievements went further than just himself, as he led the Tampa Bay Rays to the World Series in 2008 and helped them make the playoffs in many years of the 2010s. In 2026, at Tropicana Field, the franchise will include Longoria in the Rays Hall of Fame to keep his memory alive.MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) highlighted the significance of the moment, posting: "Relive Evan Longoria's heroic walk-off home run in Game 162 next on MLB Network as the 3x All-Star and 2008 Rookie of the Year is set to retire as a Ray this afternoon!"Fans can catch highlights of Evan Longoria's career and Game 162 heroics on MLB Network and MLB.com, while the Tampa Bay Rays continue their 2025 season at Tropicana Field.Also Read: Colton Gordon’s electric debut fuels Astros' victory over GuardiansEvan Longoria's retirement marks the end of an era for Tampa Bay Rays baseball, but his Game 162 legacy ensures his heroic moment will inspire future generations of players and fans alike.