From 2006-2014, manager Joe Maddon led the small-market Tampa Bay Rays (the Devil Rays through 2007) to four playoff appearances and the franchise’s only World Series appearance. Maddon’s success with Tampa Bay resulted in two Manager of the Year awards, and made him the top target for Theo Epstein and the Chicago Cubs before the 2015 season. And since, he’s of course already led the Cubs to a championship.
On Tuesday, the Cubs played at Tropicana Field for the first time since Maddon left Tampa Bay, and the Rays played a fantastic tribute video for him between innings:
Thanks for the memories, Joe! pic.twitter.com/KDfRXB8kau
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) September 19, 2017
All class, @RaysBaseball. pic.twitter.com/bvifhVXwdX
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 19, 2017
The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” is pretty much the perfect song choice for Maddon with his personality and managing philosophy. A very classy and well done tribute by the Rays.
As for the game, Maddon’s Cubs came away with a 2-1 victory, for their seventh consecutive win.