We Still Follow Lucas Duda

But after Duda was traded to the Rays for the relief prospect Drew Smith on July 27, Granderson lamented that the account might have run its course. But in the hours that followed, Granderson heard from fans who wanted it to continue. Then a Rays official sent Granderson a message and raised the prospect of a trade.

Granderson thought about what the Tampa Bay area was known for and made an opening offer for the account: He requested a live stingray, to be placed in the tank at the Rays’ stadium in St. Petersburg, Fla., and asked that it be named Duda.

“We really wanted the live ray so I could eventually go and see them,” Granderson said. “You can pet them!”

“If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” —Lucas Duda, Tampa Bay Ray