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.
.