What pressure?
Joe Maddon has embraced the pressure and expectations all season, so why would he be any different at the first World Series game at Wrigley Field in 71 years?
Before Friday's Game 3, Maddon fielded a question he's been asked at least two dozen times this season: Who has been your biggest influences for management style?
Only this time, Maddon had a different answer prepared:
"Michael Scott is probably the biggest influence," Maddon said.
He then smirked and explained "The Office" reference for everybody who might not know before going on to his real answer, thanking Gene Mauch, Marcel Lachemann and others.
MLB
Of course, this isn't the first time Maddon has referenced Steve Carell's legendary TV character in a press conference.
Maddon has often used the line, "I'm not superstitious, but I'm a little stitious," which fits so perfectly with baseball and all the wacky superstitions married to the history of the game.
And on the South Side for Crosstown action, the media press conference room presents like a lecture hall at U.S. Cellular (soon to be Guaranteed Rate) Field.
Two years in a row, Maddon has said he feels like Michael Scott entering that room when "The Office" manager enters a lecture hall at Ryan's college classroom with boombox in hand.
https://vimeo.com/78614196