Tampa Bay Rays pay tribute to Joe Maddon

Joe Maddon returned to Tropicana Field for the first time since leaving the Tampa Bay Rays in controversial fashion following the 2014 season. Maddon had been the manager of the Rays from 2006 to 2014 and he helped guide the team from perennial basement dwellers in the beastly American Leagues East to perennial contenders.

Along the way, he led the team to a World Series appearance in 2008, two division titles, and two Wild Card titles. His record while managing the club was 754-705 and received two American League Manager of the Year Awards for his 2008 and 2011 seasons.

Known for some bizarre antics, Maddon liked to keep things lively in his clubhouse as he tried to draw the best from his players. It wasn’t uncommon for penguins, snakes, or even live performing bands to invade the Rays clubhouse.

Also during his time with the Rays, Maddon made himself a staple of the community as he spearheaded several charitable endeavors such as his Thankmas program and th

So, during his first game back at Tropicana Field as the Manager of the opposing Chicago Cubs, the Tampa Bay Rays paid tribute to their former skipper that had led them to the promise land.