Palmetto grandmother gets surprise World Series trip from granddaughter

Audrey Mahoney, 94, of Palmetto, learned on Sunday that she would watch the Tampa Bay Rays play in the World Series with her granddaughter. Sarah Bolin flew into town unannounced after living away for five years. She told Mahoney they would attend Game 3 on Monday night at Tropicana Field.

The two have followed the Rays since the team started playing in 1998. They went to many games together while Bolin was growing up. When Bolin's husband entered the Army, they could no longer sit in the stands together. They kept the connection alive through phone calls and text messages during his overseas deployments.

Mahoney still watches every pitch and texts Bolin during big plays. “We text back and forth when something goes on,” Mahoney said. “When Diaz gets up and hits a home run or when a pitcher just doesn’t do his job.” Bolin tried to hide the plan from Mahoney. She told her grandmother six times that they were going to the World Series. Mahoney thought Bolin meant the team was going to the World Series, not that they would be in attendance.

“Sarah was telling me we are going to the World Series,” Mahoney said. “She was so positive about it.” When Bolin arrived at the house on Sunday, Mahoney was not expecting her. “The other night she came home,” Mahoney said. “I did not know it. She shocked me to death.” Bolin handed Mahoney a Rays jersey and told her to put it on for the game.

“You are not serious,” Mahoney said with tears in her eyes. Bolin said she chose Mahoney because they had spent the season reacting to the team's performance together. “It has definitely been a roller coaster of emotions this year and a couple of years,” Bolin said. Mahoney compared the trip to her own family history. Her mother attended a World Series in Cincinnati in 1940. “I get to go,” Mahoney said. “It’s just beyond words.”

The pair will sit in Section 124 behind third base on Monday. They will watch Taylor Walls and Chandler Simpson play. They will also remember former players Kevin Kiermaier, Evan Longoria, and Wade Boggs. About 40,000 fans are expected to fill the stadium for the game. Mahoney and Bolin plan to stay for the entire matchup.