MESA, Ariz. - With Leap Day on the calendar this year, you just knew Joe Maddon was going to have something special planned.
The "Madd Scientist" didn't disappoint, paying homage to the '70s and pop culture classics like Cheech and Chong and Austin Powers while utilizing his Scooby-Doo-esque van (named the "Cal State Fullerton"):
Maddon wanted to make Japanese infielder Munenori Kawasaki the guest star and had catcher Taylor Davis - who fit in perfectly with his long blonde hair - join in, too.
MLB
"I was a first-time Chicago cowboy," Kawasaki said.
Maddon also leaned on Cubs strength and conditioning coordinator Tim Buss and bench coach Dave Martinez to help orchestrate the mini-celebration after the players spent the morning taking photos for Photo Day:
"You're just looking for the grand opening," Maddon said. "As we move further into the games, there's going to be less time to do this kinda stuff. So it's kinda fun to do it right now.
"It's just one of those moments - whatever it takes to bring the group together, we'll do it."
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Kris Bryant took "Leap Day" a little too literally to catch a glimpse of the action:
With Maddon, Martinez and a young Cubs team that loves to have fun, every day is a party, as Justin Grimm proved with his dance moves over the weekend.
The Cubs start Cactus League games Thursday.