In an unexpected and somewhat humorous twist that’s lighting up Florida sports social media, the Tampa Bay Rays Fans Club has named Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov as their “Best Player”, despite the fact that he plays hockey — not baseball.
The announcement came late Saturday evening during a fan event hosted at Tropicana Field, where Rays supporters gathered for a mid-season celebration. Organizers surprised attendees by presenting the honorary “Best Player of the Year” award to none other than Nikita Kucherov, the standout winger of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning.
A Local Legend — Across Sports
While some fans were initially confused, many cheered the decision, calling it a nod to Kucherov’s incredible impact on the Tampa Bay sports scene. The Russian-born hockey star has led the Lightning to multiple deep playoff runs and is widely considered one of the most elite players in the NHL today.
“He’s not just a hockey icon, he’s a Tampa legend,” said fan club president Michael Suarez. “He embodies the competitive spirit and excellence we admire in athletes — even if they don’t swing a bat.”
Social Media Reactions: Hilarious and Heartfelt
Sports fans across Florida were quick to react on social media. One tweet read:
“Kucherov wins Best Player from Rays fans and doesn’t even know what a curveball is. ICONIC.”
Another user joked:
“When your city loves you so much, other teams start giving you awards. Kucherov for mayor?”
The Rays Respond with a Smile
Even the Tampa Bay Rays’ official account joined in on the fun, posting a photo of Kucherov photoshopped in a Rays uniform, with the caption:
“Hey @TBLightning, can we borrow Kucherov
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