Rays make MLB history with eight different nationalities in lineup

Aug 19, 2022; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA;Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Harold Ramirez (43) is congratulated by left fielder David Peralta (6) as they both scored runs against the Kansas City Royals during the sixth inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Rays make history with eight different nationalities in starting lineup against the Kansas City Royals

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 8/21/22

When the Tampa Bay Rays took the field Sunday against the Kansas City Royals, they did so with the most diverse lineup in major league history.

The Rays lineup featured players from eight nationalities, including the United States, Cuba, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Taiwan, and Venezuela.

Todays Rays lineup is the first in MLB history to have eight different nationalities in the same starting lineup. United States, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Columbia, Venezuela, Mexico, Panama, and Taiwan. @MLBRandomStats @TBTimes_Rays @TriciaWhitaker
— DJ Rice (@TheReddDJ) August 21, 2022

Brandon Lowe was the lone American-born position player on the field for the Rays Sunday.

Joining Lowe in the infield were first baseman Harold Ramirez (Colombia), shortstop Yu Chang (Taiwan), and third baseman Isaac Paredes (Mexico).

The Rays' outfield featured Randy Arozarena (Cuba), Jose Siri (Dominican Republic), and David Peralta (Venezuala). Meanwhile, Manuel Margot (Dominican Republic) was the designated hitter, and Christian Bethancourth (Panama) called the game behind the plate.

It's a promising step forward for baseball as they continue to expand the game's growth.

The U.S. still dominates the game, making up 71.92% of the league's players, per Baseball America. The Dominican Republic is next with 10.26%, followed by Venezuela (6.92%), Puerto Rico (2.44%), Cuba (2.18%), Mexico (1.28%), and Canada (1.15%).

According to statista.com, the majority of MLB players are white (62.1%), followed by Hispanic or Latino players (28.5%), Black or African American (7.2%), Asian (1.9%), Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (0.3%), and American Indian or Alaska Native (0.1%).

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