ST. PETERSBURG — Whenever Cowbell Max is at the ballpark, he feels its his duty to get loud.

What You Need To Know

  • Max Lewis, also known as Cowbell Max, enjoys going to Rays games to get the crowd excited

  • He prefers the cowbell, but he will use anything to get the crowd going

  • His favorite cowbell is more than 10 years old

“Every time I walk in here, I just feel like the place is lifeless,” said Cowbell Max, whose real name is Max Lewis. “I’m just trying to bring that life to the stadium, man.”

He said that there's a method to the madness.

“Two strikes on the opposing batter — I’ll start slow and go until it is super fast at the end,” said Max, who sits in Section 146 in the right field stands. Max is well known by diehard Rays fans.

“Just being around him even during the playoffs, it just takes the game to the next level,” said Dennis Santos, who comes to games with his son. “You’re able to enjoy the game but at the same time have a great time with someone who is a true fan of the Rays.”

“The players see him on the road they walk right over to him,” said Rays fan GIO. “They know Cowbell Max. They love this guy!”

People at the ballpark love Cowbell Max — his energy is infectious.

His love for the Rays extends to his home, where he has a large collection of team merchandise — which includes everything from bobbleheads to a flashy necklace, as well as the more traditional items.

Max adores all his Rays memorabilia, but some of his most prized possessions are from fellow Seminole kid, Brett Phillips.

“Brett Phillips, what can I say he is my brother from another mother,” said Max. “I can’t thank him enough for all he’s done for the Rays and for the Tampa Bay area.”

And of course, cowbells.

“This one is probably 10-12 years old. They don’t make them with the handles anymore,” said Max. “Latin percussion Rock Ridge Rider cowbell. Whenever I walk into the Trop the first thing I think of is cowbell.”

For Max, cowbell is a way of life, and he wants everyone at the Trop to embrace the passion, especially younger fans.

“Any idea that you have as a younger kid, just completely go for it and have fun with it,” said Max.

For Cowbell Max, supporting the Rays is like supporting family, and he wants everyone in the Bay Area to pick up their own Cowbell and get loud for the Rays.