Rays wear special threads for '80s Day

CHICAGO -- The Rays fashioned a different look for Sunday's '80s Day game against the Cubs.

The uniform's beltless pants and the jersey were light blue, complemented by yellow sleeves, trim and socks.

Stuart Sternberg, Rays principal owner, designed the threads, noting that the 1978 Padres uniform impacted his design. Sternberg designed the uniforms because the Rays didn't join MLB until 1998.

"Pure ripoff," Sternberg said. "With a little, you know, here and there."

Sternberg said he was pleased with the final result, an assessment shared by Joe Maddon. The Rays manager called the uniforms "interesting" before adding: "Of course I'm an advocate of anything weird or different like this."

Asked about the last time he wore yellow socks, Maddon told reporters: "Probably a couple of days ago."