Joe Maddon would love to see Tropicana Field 'plaided out'

It's not unusual to see an entire stadium dressed in one solid color for a big game.

But have we ever seen a ballpark donning the same loud pattern? If Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon has his way, the Texas Rangers will be hypnotized by a sea of plaid at Tropicana Field for Wednesday's ALDS Game 1.

After popularizing the "Brayser" (Rays + blazer) earlier this season and having his team wear caps with plaid bills during a game last week, Maddon said he would like to see Rays fans adopting his fashion trend in the stands for the postseason.   

From The Heater:

"Real men wear plaid," Maddon said. "Come on out in your plaids — that would be awesome. To have this ballpark plaided out would be very cool."

I agree. Seeing your fans in plaid is much better than seeing them dressed as empty seats. It's a great idea.

And you know what would be even cooler? Finding out if Bob Villa is a Rays fan and whether he'd be willing to attend a game sporting his plaid. Before the first pitch, they could put him on the Jumbotron and he could say "Let's build a winner" to get the crowd whipped into a frenzy.

Alas, I'm not sure that Maddon is going to see his wish come to fruition. The Braysers aren't available for mass purchase yet and I'm willing to bet that most snowbirds left their plaids in a Salvation Army box somewhere in the Northeast before moving south.

Come to think of it, I actually like this idea for the Minnesota Twins a lot better. Not only would the plaid be easily attainable around the Twin Cities, Craig Sager is scheduled to work the series and could join in on the fun.

And after also stealing their hockey jersey look, Maddon owes Minnesotans a big one. 

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Related: Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Fashion Ump, 2010 Postseason, 2010 ALDS - Rays v Rangers

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Playoff people: 'The Crosley Field Seven'

Human-interest stories during the postseason can range from super to superfluous, but here's one that caught my eye in a good way: Seven ushers from old Crosley Field — which hosted its last game 40 years ago — are still working Cincinnati Reds games at Great American Ballpark and will be on duty for Sunday's Game 3 against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Though some came aboard in the old ballpark's final days, two of the seven men above — John Board (second from left) and Mel Roedel (second from right) — worked their first game in the late 1940s. Over the years, their pay has raised from $1.50 a game to $8.95 an hour.

And yes, they still work for tips — some of which are still shiny quarters from fellow old-timers they call "Crosleys." Go check out the link for more details. 

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Related: Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies

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