ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — There was a “Footloose” feel at Tropicana Field on Saturday night.
Soft rock singer Kenny Loggins, 65, performed after the Tampa Bay Rays’ 8-7 victory over the San Diego Padres, which drew a crowd of 18,587. Before the game, though, he received some face time with Rays manager Joe Maddon in the skipper’s office.
Maddon’s verdict: Approval.
The artist, who has 12 platinum albums, is known for songs such as “I’m Alright” and “Danger Zone,” as well as the “Footloose” hit. His appearance kicked off the Rays’ annual Summer Concert Series, which will include Martina McBride (June 8), Imagination Movers (June 16), Carly Rae Jepsen (July 14), OneRepublic (Aug. 17) and Victoria Justice (Aug. 18).
Among the reaction in the Rays clubhouse to Loggins’ visit:
“You always try to see who’s there,” said reliever Cesar Ramos, who added that he didn’t know of Loggins because of a pop-rap interest. “Even if you don’t, you never know. You might be like, ‘Oh, he sings that.’ I get more of that, ‘Oh, I didn’t know he sang that song.’ ”
“I really don’t listen to a lot of music,” said reliever Josh Lueke, who said he prefers to hunt, fish and spend time with his family.
“I’m pretty open to a lot of stuff,” outfielder Sam Fuld said. “I like a lot of old rock 'n' roll, actually. I just never got into Kenny Loggins. Just Zeppelin. You name it. Neil Young. Eric Clapton. … I like a lot of new stuff. I like rap. Basically, anything but country.”
