Behind the scenes: Tampa Bay Rays' clubhouse crew's game day prep

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - At Charlotte Sports Park, fans watch the Tampa Bay Rays take the field, but before the first pitch, another dedicated team ensures that every detail is game-ready.

WINK News had an exclusive opportunity to speak with the Rays' clubhouse crew to uncover the meticulous work that goes into preparing for game day.

Eight hours before game time, the clubhouse crew is already hard at work, making sure everything from uniforms to baseballs and bats is ready. Every pair of pants is measured, labeled, and customized to meet each player's preferences.

Players can go through more than 100 bats in a season, each with unique features like knobs and handles. For spring training alone, 30,000 baseballs are ordered, many of which are hand-rubbed with specialty mud used across Major League Baseball for over a century.

"I think it's rewarding and exciting, as difficult as it can be at times, we get to show up to a ballpark every day, and there's no better workplace than showing up to a ballpark," said Thomas Culkin, a member of the clubhouse crew.

The three-man crew started in Port Charlotte with the Stone Crabs, working their way up to preparing a major league clubhouse.

"I've been lucky enough that I started so young that the only career I've ever had is in baseball. So as somebody who grew up loving the sport, I really can't ask for much more than that," said Jerry Culkin.

Jerry Culkin also shared the pride of receiving messages from friends and teachers who have watched his career progress.

"You have all your friends, teachers, people, that's kind of a cool job. And they seen us progress to where we are now, it's cool to get messages from those people and be like, I've been following you. Really proud of you," he said.

Their love for baseball has stayed constant through the years. Jonah Mcelwee, another crew member, said,

"It made me fall in love with the game on the backside and being behind the scenes and giving myself an opportunity to work close with these guys without being on the field."

The bonds they have formed are just as important as their work.

"I'm also proud of getting to share this opportunity with not only my actual brother, but someone who's become like a brother to me as well," said Thomas Culkin.

The dedication of these clubhouse crew members ensures that players can perform at their best, thanks to the hard work behind the scenes.