Darren O'Day appears to be a Florida sensation. After all, he went to University of Florida, was the closer for their 2005 College World Series team and then made the Angels out of spring training as a non-roster invitee.

As Ron Bergundy would say "I'm kind of a big deal."

Well, waiting to greet him as he joined the Angels for pre-game stretch was three people from Florida, with the letters DOD spray painted on T-shirts.

(You can also click the image to make it bigger in another screen)

But that's not what made it great. When O'Day came out, they did the soccer cheer but with a twist. Instead of "Ole, Ole" they chanted "O'Day O'Day." Mocking his pronounced chin, the group had taken visors and attached them to their chin and were wearing pink backpacks, a sign they truly paid attention.

O'Day, as the least-tenured major-leaguer in the bullpen, has to always bring the snack pack to the bullpen each night. Every year the veteran relievers buy the girliest looking one - usually pink and mainly for four-year-olds - and make the reliever walk with it out to the bullpen before each game. It contains sunflower seeds, gum, candy, etc. whatever the guys want.

It's this year's must-have fashion accessory.

Apparently his UF brethren, who drove 2 1/2 hours from Gainesville to St. Petersburg, are planning a Darren O'Day Day for tomorrow.

1 Comments

Brian on May 10, 2008 10:26 AM said:

Too bad the Angels didn't give O'Day's fans something to see. Maybe he should have pitched the 9th instead of Speier. I would have gone with O'Day in the 9th. Then in extra innings go with Oliver, Shields, bootcheck and Speier if needed. End with Speier instead of starting with him. He doesn't have impressive stuff this year. Save K-Rod if the Angels get the lead. What a lousy loss after a great start by Garland. I can take a loss. I can't take the poor effort by Justin Speier. He's going to lose too many games for the Angels if he keeps up this horrible pitching.

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