ST. PETERSBURG -- Robbie Maher sensed that this day was near. The playoff-bound Rays. A sold-out Tropicana Field. The first-ever postseason game in Tampa Bay's otherwise woebegone baseball history.

"I knew it was going to be a big year," said Maher, 23, who works at Caddy's on the Beach in Treasure Island.

Today he came prepared: He wore a giant hot dog costume to the game.

"It's a symbol for baseball," he said. "I've been waiting for this for 10 years."

No, not to wear the hot dog costume -- for the playoff game.

At least that's what we think he meant.

Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

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