Rays players, fans react on Twitter to Maddon's departure
Friday, the Tampa Bay Rays announced that Joe Maddon, the team's manager for the past nine seasons, exercised an opt-out clause in his current contract.
Maddon had one year left in his current deal and was expected by many to extend his time with Tampa Bay.
Maddon's departure came as a shock to Tampa Bay Rays players and fans, as he had become a well-known and trusted figure throughout the city.
Many took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the departure.
Players offered their support:
And those around Florida baseball offered their voices:
Maddon on how hard it was to leave #Rays: "Gut wrenching, almost feeling sick.''
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) October 24, 2014
From all of us here at the Times, #ThankYouJoe. We wish you the best. @RaysJoeMaddon @RaysBaseball pic.twitter.com/2qUMAVsD5i
— TampaBayTimesSports (@TBTimes_Sports) October 24, 2014
The Biscuits would like to thank @RaysJoeMaddon for his leadership in his tenure with @RaysBaseball. #ThankYouJoe pic.twitter.com/GrjFBx3vDU
— Montgomery Biscuits (@BiscuitBaseball) October 24, 2014
Maddon instituted 33 theme trips. The @Ken_Rosenthal/Nerd trip in 2012 was one of the most memorable. #ThankYouJoe pic.twitter.com/NGeekaOn95
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) October 24, 2014
Joe earned his 2nd AL Manager of the Year Award in 2011, after clinching a playoff berth in Game 162. #ThankYouJoe pic.twitter.com/wYysQGUmlh
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) October 24, 2014
Joe makes friends at Thanksmas 2010. Over eight years, the program has served 7,000 people in need. #ThankYouJoe pic.twitter.com/aecPqzn5ip
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) October 24, 2014
After two rough seasons, fortunes turned. Joe & the #Rays found themselves in the World Series—freezing. #ThankYouJoe pic.twitter.com/nBvYMYxs54
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) October 24, 2014
What????? @RaysJoeMaddon please say it isn't so!!!! @SunSportsRays -Annilie
— FOX Sports FL Girls (@FSFloridaGirls) October 24, 2014