Warren Hypes of the Tampa Bay Rays: Sports Is the Ultimate Connective Tissue

Dude's a metal music maniac, too

Warren was named vice president, creative and brand in Jan. 2023. In this role, he oversees internal and external branding, as well as strategic design paths, on-field uniform initiatives and player-driven content. During his 16-year tenure with the Rays, Warren has ascended to roles of increased responsibility, eventually designing, developing and managing the largest in-house creative department in MLB. He is also a board member of the Ronald McDonald House Charities, Tampa Bay.

We spent two minutes with Warren to learn more about his background, his creative inspirations and recent work he’s admired. 

Warren, tell us …

Where did you grow up, and where do you live now?

I grew up in a small town in West Virginia called Princeton, I now live in St. Petersburg, Fla.

What is your earliest sports memory?

I remember being very young and the first football card I ever got was a Mark Rypien. I would always play as him in Tecmo Super Bowl (Super Nintendo) against my friends.

Aside from the one you work for, who are some of your favorite sports team(s)?

First and foremost, my alma mater, the West Virginia Mountaineers.  I’m also a Baltimore Ravens fan.

Favorite athlete(s).

As a kid, my favorites were Emmitt Smith, Ken Griffey Jr. and Ryan Klesko. My favorite all-time player is Jonny Gomes. He was always a gamer and the first guy to jump into the fray when things got heated. I was also a big wrestling fan and loved Sting.

What is your favorite sports movie and/or show?

There are so many classics like The Sandlot and Bull Durham. But my low-key favorites are For the Love of the Game with Kevin Costner and Mr. Baseball with Tom Selleck.

What is your favorite sports podcast or news show?

My fellow Mountaineer Pat McAfee and his show.

Your favorite sports video game, if you have one.

NCAA 25 Football. I have a dynasty going with a bunch of friends.

What is a recent project you’re proud of?

Our City Connect uniforms. Not only the uniforms themselves, but the storytelling behind them. We were able to work with so many great folks locally to connect with the skate community in Tampa Bay.

Someone else’s work that you admired recently.

Rob Zilla, who is a vector art illustrator. We’re very lucky to have gotten the opportunity to collaborate with him this year. I’m a huge fan of Insung Kim and the work he does with the Atlanta Braves.        

What sports can do that nothing else can.

Sports are the ultimate connective tissue to bring people from all walks of life together. The emotion that comes from loving a game or a team can bring so many highs and lows, but can also be the ultimate escape from other things going on in the world.      

What you’d be doing if you weren’t in the sports space.

In my younger years, I played bass in a metal band and still enjoy all kinds of music. I would love to throw my creativity into that space. (Editor’s Note: With a name like “Hypes,” adland and thrash-rock go hand in hand!)