Helmet Inspo: For my Starting 9 helmet, I wanted to celebrate the history of Tropicana Field and its place in Tampa Bay culture. Rather than focusing on a single moment, I chose to tell the story of the ballpark through layers of newspaper articles that document its journey—from the opening of the dome, to memorable Rays seasons, to the challenges and resilience that have shaped its legacy. As a mixed-media artist, paper collage is one of my favorite ways to tell a story. I often use printed materials to create layers of meaning, incorporate hidden details, and invite viewers to discover something new each time they look at a piece. Newspaper articles felt like the most authentic way to honor the Trop's history. Each clipping acts as a visual time capsule, allowing fans to revisit moments that helped define both the stadium and the Tampa Bay community. To complement the storytelling, I reimagined the Tampa Bay Rays "TB" logo as if it were a collaboration with Tropicana, blending the iconic Rays mark with a BB ART–style orange inspired by the Tropicana brand. The custom logo incorporates my signature graphic approach while paying homage to the stadium's identity and history. The result is a helmet that celebrates both the team and the ballpark.

#1 Bianca Burrows

<p style="-webkit-user-drag:none;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent;margin:0px 0px 10.6667px;padding:0px;user-select:text;overflow-wrap:break-word;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;vertical-align:baseline;font-kerning:none;background-color:transparent;color:windowtext;text-align:left;text-indent:0px">Helmet Inspo: When designing this, I wanted every element to actually mean something: the half-brain represents the very thing a helmet protects, and the ocean scene is a nod to the Rays themselves. On the underwater side, I mashed up styles by putting a realistic stingray right next to an 8-bit shark, jellyfish, and two pixelated rays. With my signature 8-bit cursor holding down the back, it’s a personal tribute to team pride.

#2 Quinn Cale

Helmet Inspo: Growing up my dad owned &amp; operated a body shop. He would paint motorcycle tanks and classic cars. Meticulously taping out lines. I'd watch him prep, prime, sand, paint and repeat. I always admired his craft and it's translated into my own work. I combined my love for skateboard graphics and the distressing the underside of a board accumulates over time to create my helmet concept. I think this hard-nosed, get-hit-but-get-back-up, underdog mentality represents the Rays organization so much. We all have to take our licks, but we can all use a little 'Devil Rays &amp; Road Rash'

#3 Anthony Freese

<p style="-webkit-user-drag:none;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent;margin:0px 0px 10.6667px;padding:0px;user-select:text;overflow-wrap:break-word;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;vertical-align:baseline;font-kerning:none;background-color:transparent;color:windowtext;text-align:left;text-indent:0px">Artist Inspo: Through the shape of a manta ray I felt it was important to utilize the helmet's shape, its curves, bends and vents to amplify the energy, movement, and spirit that make Tampa Bay unlike anywhere else. Every line, color, and detail was intentional.

#4 Jason Harvin

<p style="-webkit-user-drag:none;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent;margin:0px 0px 10.6667px;padding:0px;user-select:text;overflow-wrap:break-word;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;vertical-align:baseline;font-kerning:none;background-color:transparent;color:windowtext;text-align:left;text-indent:0px">Helmet Inspo: For the past few years, I’ve been inspired by African fabrics and their patterns. I love them together in a patch-like design. They can be so vibrant and offer many textures. Their simple patterns helped to address the design challenges of the helmet. As my work revolves around the storytelling of Black and Brown cultures, I chose two legends from the Rays – former pitcher, David Price, and former shortstop, Julio Lugo (rest in power). I also added the mascot, Raymond.  I was actually very surprised with the outcome. The vibrant colors, the pattern swatches, the logos and the portraits all came together in an unsuspected way that made me proud once I finished and stepped back for a final look. As Artists, we are the Scientists of art supplies and ideas. We mix, we observe, we learn, we alter. Outcomes can be close to or even the furthest from our initial idea, but everything is made with intention and purpose. This is our foundation.

#5 Tracey Jones

<p style="-webkit-user-drag:none;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent;margin:0px 0px 10.6667px;padding:0px;user-select:text;overflow-wrap:break-word;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;vertical-align:baseline;font-kerning:none;background-color:transparent;color:windowtext;text-align:left;text-indent:0px">Helmet Inspo: My helmet design was inspired by the things I love most about St. Petersburg, Florida—the iconic Tropicana Field, our beautiful beaches, the vibrant city life, and, of course, the breathtaking sunsets. I love anything that sparkles, shines, and catches the light, so adding crystals and bling was a must! This helmet is a reflection of both my creative spirit and my love for the city I call home. I hope you enjoy this helmet as much as I enjoyed creating it!

#6 April Krause

Helmet Inspo: This helmet represents the crowd—the true heart of baseball. Families. Friends. Generations.

#7 Dee Rosse

Helmet Inspo: This helmet represents the crowd—the true heart of baseball. Families. Friends. Generations.

#8 Evan Rossell

<p style="-webkit-user-drag:none;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent;margin:0px 0px 10.6667px;padding:0px;user-select:text;overflow-wrap:break-word;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;vertical-align:baseline;font-kerning:none;background-color:transparent;color:windowtext;text-align:left;text-indent:0px">Helmet Inspo: For this design, I wanted to transform a helmet into a piece of stained-glass art. I brought together the colors from the inaugural season and the modern City Connect jersey. I wanted the original logo and the Rays' inauguration year to be the main focal points on each side of the helmet. The nostalgia of that original look with its stained-glass style gives the entire piece a feeling of timelessness.

#9 Aaron Tullo

Nine custom helmets are on display at the ballpark, and now it’s your turn to help decide the winner. Cast your vote for your favorite design and see which helmet takes the top spot.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of Florida who are legal age of majority. Voting Period begins 12:01 a.m. on July 6, 2026 and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on August 2, 2026. Sponsor: Rays Baseball Club, LLC

The Starting 9: Helmet Project

Vote for your favorite helmet: