Thank You, Tampa Bay

Despite last week's unrest, there were hundreds of positive images and moments that gave us hope. We wanted to pay special gratitude to Tampa Bay Rays' fans for contributing to that hopeful feeling, as they hosted us for our "home" series after the city and MLB thought it wasn't safe to play in Baltimore this past weekend.

The team's graciousness started when Rays president Brian Auld released a statement on Wednesday proclaiming, "The Oriole bird is certainly welcome to make the trip and will be welcomed at the Trop." The sentiment continued Friday when Rays fans held up signs at the game saying "our hearts are with Baltimore" and "prayers for Baltimore." A peace sign within the Orioles logo was particularly poignant.

And, though these things may seem like small gestures, the Rays playing John Denver's "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" during Saturday's seventh-inning stretch and the team shipping in Berger cookies for the media in time for Friday's opener, were icing on the cake.

Thank you, Rays fans. We certainly feel, and appreciate, the love.

Rays exchanging some hugs and hellos with the Os as they take the field second in gray pants. This is so strange.

— Brittany Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) May 1, 2015

Sign on the jumbotron here at the Trop "Our thoughts and prayers are with you Baltimore." #Rays #Orioles

— Steve Carney (@stevecarney) May 1, 2015

Another touch of Baltimore at the Trop, famous Berger cookies in media dining room, 10 dozen flown in. #Rays pic.twitter.com/6XnqIUDrJP

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) May 1, 2015

Rays latest attempt to make O's media feel at home. "Maryland style crab cakes" It's the thought that counts pic.twitter.com/5KBSKMJoeW

— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) May 2, 2015

Glad to hear them playing "Thank God I'm a country boy" in Tampa Bay. It is a Oriole home game after all.

— Geoff Taylor (@englishg5geoff) May 2, 2015

Fans show support for #Baltimore @ #Orioles "home" game; Oriole Bird & Raymond dance to "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" pic.twitter.com/IHYpUkZd4D

— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) May 3, 2015

OK Tampa Bay Rays, from the Berger cookies to the signs in the stands, you and your fans were pretty classy tonight.

— Steve Melewski (@masnSteve) May 2, 2015