Joe Maddon returned to Tropicana Field for the first time since leaving the Tampa Bay Rays in controversial fashion following the 2014 season. Maddon had been the manager of the Rays from 2006 to 2014 and he helped guide the team from perennial basement dwellers in the beastly American Leagues East to perennial contenders.
Along the way, he led the team to a World Series appearance in 2008, two division titles, and two Wild Card titles. His record while managing the club was 754-705 and received two American League Manager of the Year Awards for his 2008 and 2011 seasons.