Joe Maddon has some interesting ideas about how to motivate players. Recently he pushed this whole elaborate Woodstock road trip thing of his, even going so far as to dress like a hippie and whip up some fake Woodstock-inspired poster art. That is called dedication to the bit.
Did the bit work? Apparently not to Maddon’s satisfaction. That’s why, Tuesday night when the struggling Rays played Seattle, Maddon decided to change tactics.
That’s why Maddon broke out the cologne.
The Rays’ manager, a devotee of aroma therapy – because of course he is – brought seven bottles of cologne to the clubhouse and had his players each choose a scent. Literally, he wanted them to stop stinking.
Starter David Price chose Aqua Velva in honor of his father. Price also went out for the first time in his life with high pants and striped socks, so desperate was he to reverse his fortunes.
Did it work for Price? He pitched brilliantly, so something must have done the trick. I don’t know if it was the Aqua Velva, the high pants and stripes or just the fact that the Mariners were off last night.
Credit the cologne if you will, but the Rays did defeat the Mariners 2-1 for just their second win in seven games.
Joe Maddon, motivational genius, ’60s sentimentalist, lover of manly scents.
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