Rays set for American Legion Weekend

ARLINGTON -- Rays manager Joe Maddon has declared this weekend American Legion Weekend. During each of the past two seasons, Maddon has set aside an entire week to change things up with this unique practice.

According to Maddon: "Most of us played Legion ball, when we showed up 10 minutes before game time. We didn't need BP, just stretch and go. I want to give the guys a rest and get them off the feet."

This season it is abbreviated to a weekend. The Rays will fly the flag of St. Petersburg American Legion Post 14 in the clubhouse this weekend. On Friday night during the Rays-Yankees game, the Rays will treat legion members to a night of free beer and sausages at the legion hall.

The Rays did the same thing in 2102 with Safety Harbor Post 238 and last year with Tampa Post 182.

"Coming off this trip was the perfect time to incorporate it," Maddon said. "... We've got three days at the right time, with a day off [Monday], so it's like American Legion half a week."