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Pocono News Section
Joe Maddon's Hazleton Friends Ready for World Series
Joe Maddon's Hazleton Friends Ready for World Series - Monday, October 20, 2008 at 5:24PM EST
Reported by: Mike Trim
Monday, Oct 20, 2008 @ 05:24pm EST
HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY- Sunday night was a home run for Tampa Bay rays fans in Hazleton. Rays manager Joe Maddon grew up in that city. His family still lives there, and they're gearing up for the World Series after the Rays beat the Red Sox.
At 3rd Base in Hazleton, hoagies are normally on the menu, but Monday Tampa Bay Rays cowbell is being served up. It's all because of Rays manager Joe Maddon.
Maddon grew up here in Hazleton, and his mom, Beanie Maddon is soaking it all in. Beanie says, "Oh my goodness, between crying, between cheering all by myself, yelling, it was exciting, it was really fun. I knew he could do it, but it's not easy."
Maddon's team ousted the Red Sox Sunday night, and just about everyone at 3rd Base watched. Tina Mishinski says, "This time it was unbelievable. The cell phone, the phone, who's calling who, it was great."
Most of Maddon's family tuned in too, including his cousin Don Tombasco. "My wife didn't know the difference between a baseball and a football, and she is so into this playoff thing. She's making statement's like why didn't he bunt to sacrifice that player over?" says Tombasco.
Everyone here sticks by Joey, as they call him. He went to the old high school right across the street from 3rd Base, and never forgets his roots.
Hazleton wasn't too far from his thoughts, even after winning the American League Championship. TBS announcer Ernie Johnson asked him, “Hazleton is about 97 miles from Philadelphia, you going to be able to go to the 3rd Base cafe up there?”
Maddon joked, “I'm gonna miss that but there's going to be a lot of good food coming down for the tickets. They have to bring food in exchange for tickets."
An exchange Maddon's maniacs in Hazleton say they'll gladly do.
Maddon and his fans are gearing up for the first game of the World Series which starts Wednesday night in Tampa.
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