PARKER AND THE BOYS: This spring Rays third baseman Evan Longoria got
t-shirts for all his teammates similar to ones Cincinnati native Dave Parker
had made for the Pirates in 1979. The black shirt has block letters that say,
"IF YOU HEAR ANY NOISE IT'S JUST ME AND THE BOYS BOPPIN."
Longoria, David Price and other Rays wore the shirt on Friday as they
welcomed Parker to their clubhouse before the game.
"All the guys came in one-by-one like they were meeting the godfather with
the t-shirt on," Maddon said. "It was a very cool moment, he's one of my
all-time favorites."
Maddon said he knew Parker lived in Cincinnati. The two worked together on
the Angels' coaching staff in the 90s, so Maddon got in touch with Parker and
invited him to the clubhouse.
Parker, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, said seeing the Rays
in the shirts brought back memories. He had the shirts made for the "We Are
Family" Pirates in 1979.
"It was my idea, I'm an innovative guy and a trendsetter," Parker said. "I
came through with the saying