The Cubs have the best record in baseball and few clubs look more imposing in 2016. It makes sense then, that other managers might want to apply some of manager Joe Maddon’s tactics to their own teams.
Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais took a page out of Maddon’s book during the team’s most recent trip to San Diego. Instead of dressing up in their normal boring clothes, Servais thought it would help relieve some stress if everyone paid homage to their native lands with their outfits.
Looking good, guys. #GoMariners pic.twitter.com/um0AqbZVog
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) June 1, 2016
Much like the Cubs’ famous pajama parties, the Mariners embraced the chance to buck the monotony of the usual road trip. Servais led the way with a fitting tribute to his home state of Wisconsin.
Dress up day isn't just for players. Add the #Mariners on Snapchat to see more. pic.twitter.com/tI1bXUFl2u
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) May 31, 2016
Adam Lind and Steve Johnson showed that newfound Big Ten rivals can still get along.
Adam Lind and @SJohnson831 with some serious state pride. #GoMariners pic.twitter.com/EWeI1rpaXJ
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) May 31, 2016
The hometown pride extended well beyond national borders. The team had quite an international contingent represented as well.
Dress up day for the road trip. #Mariners wearing outfits representing where they're from. pic.twitter.com/VloWS50Fal
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) May 31, 2016
From the Seattle Times:
Dae-Ho Lee, Nori Aoki and Hisashi Iwakuma wore traditional clothing from their home countries while Robinson Cano wore the uniform of a sugar cane harvester. Some of the other Latin players wore shirts with their country’s flags on them.
The team’s Dominican contingent was also well represented.
Servais said the idea was a rousing success and the Mariners’ demolition of the Padres later that day seemed to back that up. Servais was mum on when we could expect to see these outfits or something similar again, but promised the was not the last of the team’s dress up days.
“You can only do it once in a while,” Servais said. “We’ll maybe do something that the end of the year once we get into August, when the dog days are hitting. I do have another idea already.”
