Only a cool manager like Joe Maddon can make this look good.

In 1979, the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays did not exist. But on June 30, the team will wear “throwback” jerseys as if they were around during the `70s. Using the template once worn by the San Diego Padres, the Rays will wear what they think they would have worn had they been around in 1979.

It’s a pretty cool idea and I hope that it isn’t something every recent expansion team decides to do. But the Rays are a different kind of breed. This promotion fits their identity so well and if it’s a one-time thing, I am all for it.

Looking at the actual uniform, I love the orange/sun in the “Rays” name on the front. The cap font screams of some kind of 1970s juice bar sign. I don’t know about the usage of the two shades of blue, but it’s still pretty fun to look at.

Their opponent for the game, the Tigers, will actually wear throwbacks of uniforms that they actually wore.

It’s so unique, I might just even get the Rays cap just for historical fun purposes. But much like the once confusing “Turn Back the Clock” promotion, it’s only good in moderation.