Managing Fine

Ex-Chiefs skipper leads Rays to World Series

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Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon (right) yells at umpire Tim Welke as bench coach Dave Martinez looks on after Rays baserunner Carlos Pena was caught stealing in the sixth inning in Game 1 of Major League Baseball's World Series in St. Petersburg, Florida, October 22, 2008. REUTERS/Hans Deryk

By Marc Strauss

Story Published: Oct 23, 2008 at 6:07 PM CDT

Story Updated: Oct 23, 2008 at 8:14 PM CDT

Watching Joe Madden manage the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series is a thrill for his old boss, Pete Vonachen.

"It almost brings a tear to your eye," said Vonachen, "because you have a special affection for all of the guys who played here or came through here."

Twenty-four years ago, in the summer of 1984, Maddon managed the Peoria Chiefs. It was the first season Vonachen owned the team and, together, both men learned a lot about running a ballclub.

"I was in the office in that old clubhouse back there and he says, 'I'm Joe Maddon. I'm your new manager, but I've never managed before.' And I stuck out my hand and I said, 'I'm Pete Vonachen and I just want to let you know that I've never owned a team before."

The Chiefs won 66 games that first season and finished in 8th–place. Pete went on to build a downtown ballpark. Joe spent 31 years in the Angels organization, then left for Tampa and built a pennant winner from the ground up.

"When he first got the job and I called to congratulate him and said, 'Boy, you've got your work cut out for you.' He said, 'I know. But this is a real challenge for me.' And I think that's what Joe wanted.

What Maddon wants now is a World Series ring.
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