WILD, WACKY STUFF

To offset the pressure of playoff chases and losing streaks, former Rays manager Joe Maddon had a colorful history of themed dress-up road trips and, throughout the 2013 season, some rather unusual clubhouse guests. Here are some of his more memorable:

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THEMED ATTIRE ROAD TRIPS

May 2014: Woodstock wardrobe to Seattle

August 2013: College football jerseys to Oakland

June 2013: "Accidental preppies" to Houston

May 2013: Camouflage to Baltimore

April 2013: Team letterman jackets to Boston

June 2012: All-white attire to Miami

May 2012: Nerd theme to Boston

June 2011: Grunge look to Seattle

June 2010: Hockey jerseys to Toronto

August 2009: Johnny Cash (all black) to Toronto

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2013-14 SPECIAL CLUBHOUSE "GUESTS"

June 2014: A Seminole "medicine man" to help the slumping team change its fortunes

August 2013: A 20-foot long, 115-pound reticulated python

May: Four members of Tampa's Sol Caribe band played merengue, salsa and other music

April: A pair of South African penguins, Cliff and Shelly, from the Florida Aquarium; disc jockey; magician; and Mindy the umbrella cockatoo

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JOECABULARY

Hitterish: carrying the characteristics of a hitter

Woof: used to express extreme or ultimate respect for a player's skill

Poof: respect for a player's skill, but less than woof

Scare-ometer: imaginary instrument to measure the level of fear created by an incident

Poisontry: a state of negativity

Over-boogie: to exert oneself excessively

RBO: for "runs blocked out," runs saved by a catcher blocking a pitch in the dirt

9=8: A 2008 Maddon slogan emphasizing nine players playing nine innings each game to become one of eight playoff teams

Source: Tampa Bay Rays media guide