The Rays clinched their first winning season on Friday night with a 14-3 victory over the Orioles at home in Tampa Bay, according to Associated Press.
"Going into spring training I knew we were better," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "We just didn't know how much better. Eighty-two wins is a big moment, and I want this to be the standard of what we do, to get that number on an annual basis."
It took the Rays eleven Major League seasons to record a winning record, only the Seattle Mariners (fifteen seasons) took longer.
"You've got to break through the barrier eventually. We've done it, now let's move on down the road," Maddon added.
Rays Clinch First Winning Season With Victory