Robert Szasz

Robert S. Szasz
(The Happy Heckler)

Born in Canada

Robert Szasz, a.k.a. The Happy Heckler, could be found at Tropicana Field from 2000 to 2008. He held season tickets behind home plate and was famous for choosing one player from an opposing roster to relentlessly heckle during that series. He kept his insults to baseball, avoided personal attacks, and did not use profanity. With the Devil Rays' generally poor attendance, and Szasz' rather loud voice, he could usually be heard all over the stadium and on TV and radio. Some opposing players and commentators found Szasz obnoxious. In one such incident, Bret Boone threw his batting helmet on the ground after striking out and yelled back at Szasz. Jose Guillen offered him an autographed bat to try to get him to stop insulting him.

Prior to the 2009 season, Szasz ran into financial trouble and did not renew his season tickets.

He released a book in 2005, titled The Happy Heckler.