ajcsportstalk

By deep

December 5, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

1995 World Series, Ryan Klesko I think it was gets brushed off the plate on the top half of the inning by Oreal Hershiser…and in the botth of the inning…maddux almost drills Eddry Murray…..and Oreal’s quote….” That guy could throw a ball in a tea cup with his control….it was done on pupose”. Thank you Maddog for all the fun years, come back as our pitching coach in a few years:)

By Sam

December 5, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

My favorite Maddux moments are:

The Sunday night ESPN game in 1996 when he totally dominated the Cardinals with a CG on about 85 pitches. The game lasted under two hours.

The opening day CG shutout of the Cubs in 1997.

Hitting Jim Leyritz right in the ear flap in the 1998 NLCS after Leyritz had the umpire check the ball for scuffing.

Maddux was the best. He will be missed.

By Nick Saban

December 5, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

There were many great moments on the field relative to his success. Greg Maddux was a true competitor who was able to dominate his opposition on a consistent basis.

By LVAFAN

December 5, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

My self and 2 buddies took a road trip for opening day Wrigley Field 1993. Maddox on the mound for his first Braves start against the team he left, the Cubbies. 34 degrees with a wind chill that made it feel like 17.We were bundled in all the Braves gear we owned and it was so cold the beer felt warm to our lips. The Cubbies fan could not have been more gracious. We didn’t have to buy a beer all day and to top it off Maddox went 8 1/3, gave up five hits in a 1-0 Braves win.

By Rip

December 5, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

Shut out game one of 1995 WS

The big 3 going into HOF together might be another one

By stynes

December 5, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

Walking into the clubhouse one day to find inferior donuts, Maddux replied something along the lines of… “Where’s the Krispy Kreme? How do they expect us to play like champions if they don’t feed us like champions?”

Love the guy. Thanks for the memories!

By ND

December 5, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

LVAFAN…at least spell his name correctly. Last year at Fulton County; my dad I and drove from NC to catch a biz man special. Got up at like 6am to leave. Dude throws a CG in an 1:52. Best righty I have ever seen, the one played I would love to play catch with.

By Oasisbraves

December 5, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

He threw a ball to me in Houston once. I was shouting MAD DOG and wearing my Braves jersey. He then asked for the ball back and he wiped it in the grass to get it dirty…then threw it back. A few years later I got him to sign it. THANKS GREG!!!

By david

December 5, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

the best pitcher of the last 20 years hands down whos roger clemens

By Jennifer

December 5, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Loved to watch him on tv, especially when several of his games were only two hours long! We decided to go watch the Braves one night and got good tickets at the box office. It happened to be Maddux’s 200th win. It was great to be there for that.

By mahjk17

December 5, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

my favorite is when smoltz and maddox pitched against each other i think 2 years ago in turner field n smoltz took of his hat on the mound to try to blind maddox when he came up to hit. it was pretty funny. the best goes like this 1greg maddox 2john smoltz 3tom glavine. glavine is last because he isnt as dominate as smoltz and maddox the best three of all time

By Early Bird

December 5, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

Getting home from the ballpark by 10.

By phil

December 5, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

So many memories over the years.maddux was the best. last year on espn the padres were playing the dodgers and they got maddux talking to the home plate ump, who was squeezing him alittleand he was saying that his control wasnt what it use to be and he needed to get the corner calls. All that said with a smile. maddux I hope the braves retire his number. Next Braves pitching coach. Or Manager? I saw on one web site he would like to be a bench coach. The padres were toying with the idea of pither/ bench coach. Maddux chicks may dig the long ball but baseball fans really dug they way you pitched. thanks for all the great games.

By Larry

December 5, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

Totally agree with Sam - I was at that ESPN night game in 96. Maddux threw 79 pitches, gave up 1 hit, no walks - it lasted 1:57 mins and he won 1-0 - best game I’ve ever seen.

Also LOVED the Leyritz beaning in the playoffs!

I am biased but he should be on 100% of the H of F ballots in 5 years..

By Brandon

December 5, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

1999 playoffs vs the Mets. Maddux covered 1st base, then had to leave the field after groping himself. That is the only time I have ever seen a player walk into the gugout to fix his cup, it was hilarious. Also picking his nose every time the camera was on him and cussing after a pitch he didn’t like. Go&D*it!!! How about 19 - 2 in 1995? pretty darn great. I am shocked, the man could keep pitching…I am misty eyed and sad to see him go..We love you Greg

By Fred

December 5, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

No one moment stands out, what I remember best is the excitement I felt going into the ballpark when “Mad Dog” was starting. Actually, when any one of the “Big Three” started. Glavine, Smoltz,or Maddux. Thanks for all the memories, and especially thanks for remaining a class act throughout your careers.

By Win Carroll

December 5, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

Someone did a story about him once and wanted to take a picture of him with all his Cy Young awards. He’s so humble that he wouldn’t allow them to do it.

He was a pitcher’s pitcher and the best I have ever seen.

By mike

December 5, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

I cant even remember the date of the game,but it was my daughters first braves game .st. louis cardinals, maddox pitching . girls had a great time. i kept telling them to watch the pitcher, they were watching a hall of famer pitch. i have to agree , maddox was the best of the big 3. thanks for all the dedication and hard work ( although you made it look so easy ). happy retirement, keep it in the middle

By Gene

December 5, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

Maddux was certainly one of a kind. I first saw him pitch in West Palm before his first season started with the Braves. He was cool. I remember him driving around Atlanta in an old station wagon wearing cutoff jeans and flipflops. I don’t know if Maddux was better than Smoltz in their prime, but I am thankful that I got to see both of them on the same team over a number of years. They are right there with Hank Aaron as the best I ever saw. Maddux will make a great commentator—hopefully for the Braves.

By Numba1Fan

December 5, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

Simply put the guy was a surgeon on the mound. He would disect a hitter in so many ways, impecable control, command of all his pitches, ability to move the ball in out up and down all the while hitting the corners with amazing accuracy. I saw the man pitch for a decade on TV and lucky enough to for a handful of games. He is, was and is the best pitcher of my era and I doubt we will ever see anyone like him ever again. Uncanny ability to undress any hitter and send him back to the dugout mutterig and shaking his head. He will be missed and I thank him for the fond memories and the way he carried himself as a professional and a man.

By Chief Nocahoma

December 5, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

July 2nd 1997 - 3 hit shut out at Yankee Stadium - beat Dwight Gooden. Maddux was at his best that day. Everything was working. Glorious afternoon - my first at Yankee Stadium.
April 10th 1998 - A pitchers dual against Curt Shilling in Philly. Maddux went 8 innings and gave up five hits but no runs. Shilling pitched a 2 hitter. Cox pulled Maddux for the 9th and the relief pitcher Mike Cather came in walked two and gave up the only run of the night for a Phillies win. What a great game. 2 hrs flat.

Maddux is the best pitcher of our age. I am sitting here crying thinking how we will never see greatness like his again. I wish he would pitch one more season with Atlanta and go out with Smoltz and Galvine. So five years from now we could all convene again in Cooperstown.

I watched all his starts this past year and feel he has more in the tank. While he was with SD, their bullpen blow several wins he should have had.

Not as flashy as Clemens but every bit more the man than Roger.

Thank you Greg for showing everyone what greatness is.

By mark

December 5, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

My memories are many but two stand out, that backup fastball he would throw to lefties and the battles he had with Tony Gwynn. Good luck and Happy retirement, Mad Dog!

By Zach

December 5, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

All of the above memories are great, but I will remember what i read after what seemed like every one of his starts…

“And Maddux scatters 6 hits, no runs in 8 innings” Then at the bottom of the page you would read something like: “time of game: 2 hours, 5 minutes”

great times, he will be missed…

By Richard

December 5, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

I definitely remember the 79 pitch game that lasted a little under 2 hours. Also, and this isn’t a pitching moment, there was the time Maddux was running home from third and the throw beat him. He stopped short and waited until the catcher tried to tag him. Once he did, Maddux did a little jig around him and tagged home plate. Great athlete all around.

By Carol Hall

December 5, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

Standing next to him at a counter of a local Walmart, in Roswell, before he had pitched a first game yet for the Braves. An older male employee recognized him and told his co-worker, a young girl, to go up to him and ask if he was Greg Maddux. He didn’t really answer the question but he gave us a smile because he knew we knew. Anyway,a good memory. But his pitching far eclipses anything. And he is definitely my favorite all time baseball player.

By ben

December 5, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

watching him pitch w/ Grandaddy on Sundays. That 1 year when his ERA was tiny, I mean 1.0whatever and he just couldn’t lose. I’m sorry he only won 1 WS ring. If they ever do a baseball doc like Ken Burns did when Maddux was in his prime, just imagine what THE MAD DOG’S segment will be.

We’re going to realize how good he truely was. Between him, Glav, and Smoltz, you knew you’d get 2 wins. I guess now the Braves can retire his number. I wonder if DOB knows what the policy on that is?

By shawn

December 5, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

The Braves combo of Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz was simply the best trio in history and to have the pleasure of watching them dominate the 90’s was a once in a lifetime thing. If you look at today’s reach for Burnett, Vasquesz and whomever we have to realize just how lucky we were to have those guys. There will never be another time like that again.

By Royceb

December 5, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

Never one to be start struck. I saw Greg at an ATL restaurant with his family. I was so in awe I couldn’t move.

I remember Maddux coming in from the bullpen in the World Series after pitching the day before. It was incredible.

To many memories to list…

By William R. Smith

December 5, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Referring to the first comment about Hershiser, I also recall a game I think was in 95 before Hershiser was traded…they were in town and my brother and I had seats right behind the plate… the only pitch I recall out of the infield was a shot by McGriff straight over the center field fence… other than that, both Maddux and Hershiser mowed everyone down…. Braves won 1-0.

By Brett

December 5, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

To quote the late Skip Caray after a Greg Maddux complete game at Philadelphia in 1995 : “He’s the best, folks - simply the best.”

Simply the greatest pitcher I’ve ever seen, including Randy Johnson & Roger Clemens.

By Gary

December 5, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

So many memories of Mad Dog in his prime. Excellent pitcher and one I will definitely remember. My favorite memories are the Eddie Murray and Leyritz beans in the playoffs. Mad Dog was never one to show a temper, but those showed how much he didn’t like stupid antics from opposing teams.

Of course the “Chicks dig the long ball” commercial is my all time fav.

Will be planning a trip to Cooperstown in 2014 for the HOF weekend.

By GT 81

December 5, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

My favorite Maddux moment was watching that fast ball back up over the plate to get called strike three.

By TRC

December 5, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

I have many Doggie memories but one in particular was taking my young daughter to a game in the mid 90’s where we had great front row seats. As I recall, he looked very hittable but disposed of the Devil Rays in 2 hours, scattering a handful of hits and doing it without much effort it seemed. After the game I told my daughter, who really had no clue of what had just transpired, she just saw a future HOF at his best….thanks Doggie for the memories. As Skip said many times, you were simply the best. You can have Clemens, Johnson, etc..for my money give me Mad Dog….

By blaine bonvillain

December 5, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

to me he was the best of the big three and the most amazing memory i have is when he threw a complete game shutout with only 79 pitches

By ChrisfromSacramento

December 6, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

As Skip said ” he is the best folks, he is the best.”

Watching that backup fastball and just laughing at hitters.

He is the greatest.

Thank You so much Maddog. You are a Brave and always will be.

By Brian

December 6, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

Me and my brother used to tear up laughing when he’d cuss at the top of his lungs! I remember listening to Braves games on the radio, and you could hear him loud and clear! There was honestly never a time when he took the mound and I thought anything different than him going 8-9 innings with a win…the best pitcher I’ve ever seen, and probably always will be!!

By Larry Taylor

December 6, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this

Watching him warm-up before starts, from my seat next to the bullpen. The man never merely warmed-up, like most pitchers. When Doggy “warmed-up”, he was working!

By Donna Mallahy

December 6, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this

Oh sooo many. Maddux is my man! Loved how he cursed on the mound. I’d laugh every time! Sat behind home plate in Qualcolmm for his 250th! Got my first autograph there. Had the courage to go up to him and his wife in Boston for another (it was my bday) and he and Kathy were very gracious. Then met him in Montreal with John Birkett at the casino. He’s hilarious… just like on tv. Wicked dry sense of humor!
But my favorite memory is against the Mets in the pouring rain… sitting with my mom, and aunt and uncle (huge Mets fans) and shutting them down in less than 2 hours, and the back page of The Post calling him “Super Greg”! ~ had it copied and that’s what he signed in Boston. See you guys in Cooperstown in 5 yrs. I WILL BE THERE.

By bohunkus

December 6, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this

I heard Fredi Gonzales tell this one: When Mark Prior collided with Marcus Giles in Chicago, Giles was knocked out, and when he startied coming around in the training room, Maddux was there saying, “Dude, how embarassing…you s#$t yourself right on the field.” and got Giles believing it. I always loved his sense of play, and he always seemed to have fun, and to understand that the most fun is in winning. The best I ever saw

By John

December 6, 2008 2:25 AM | Link to this

C’mon Alice!! Greatest pitcher I ever saw…How about the year he had more wins than walks!!!! How about when he came to the Braves instead of the Yankees for less money…incredible..or when Leo came out to the mound to talk to him and when Leo got back to the dugout Bobby asked “What’d he say?” Leo said ” he said he was going to get the batter to pop out to third base!!…guess what happened?? He’s the best I ever seen play and he was on the Braves….

By Kyle

December 6, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this

I think the best game Maddux ever pitched was game 1 of the 95 series … and my most vivid memory was Rafael Belliard booting a ball off the bat of the first batter of the game (I think Kenny Lofton, not sure) … it was like, oh man, here we go again …. although that unearned run scored, Maddux pitched an absolute gem the rest of the game, giving the Braves that all so crucial first game of the series …. I’d say without that first game, we may not have won that coveted only series in the long line of division titles ….

By Matt

December 6, 2008 3:40 AM | Link to this

Everyone remembers the pitching, how about the other stuff? The “Chicks dig the log ball” commercial was awesome.

Or sending a message through TBS congratulating Jeff Blauser (who by then was with the Cubs) for hitting into a triple play.

Or the time when he all the sudden decides to try to steal a base…and does!

Or the time he hits a homerun after the TV announcers say he’s never done so as a Brave. As he rounds third, the third base coach says something and Greg starts laughing.

By ld

December 6, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

Deep nailed it. I forgot about the moment with Klesko and Hershiser,but it was hilarious. The little dweeb Hershiser went on to say something like “So I gave him [Maddux] this look, like ‘yeah, maybe I can lose control to’, and when that quote was relayed back to Maddux he just gave that wide-eyed innocent smirk that he used. It was great.

By Southern33

December 6, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

After a game at ATL Fulton Co Stadium, my Dad and I were walking back to our car. I was only 12 at the time, but my Dad instilled it in me that Mad Dog was the best. You could just watch him on the mound out thinking his opponent…As we were walking back Maddux was stuck in traffic. My Dad took off my hat and went up to him, asked for his autograph and w/o hesitation Maddux signed my hat just under the bill. THANKS FOR ALL THE MEMORIES!!!

By TRC

December 6, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Another memory: had the opportunity to meet him in person before a spring training game. He had already worked out that morning and was about to leave the park in his flowered shirt, kakhi shorts, and glasses. I was a part of a private autograph session and noticed him before anyone else. I immediately made a bee line over to chat with him and, of course, get Mad Dog’s autograph. He was very gracious and told me he was about to take the family to Disney World. The main thing I remember thinking was here was this guy, who you were never think in a million years just looking at him in street clothes, was one of the best pitchers ever to put on a uniform. Thanks again Doggie for the memories. You were the best…..

By Jay

December 6, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

I loved watching Maddox during the CyYoung years. The catcher would put up a target and then not move his mitt an inch to catch the pitch! It truly was an artist at work!

By bravesfan

December 6, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

De Rosa said one time something to the affect of how would you pitch me. He said something like curve ball down the middle, you hit a dribbler to second base and you get to go home happy you got bat on the ball on Greg Maddux.

By bill

December 6, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Sat afternoon game,can’t remember when.McCarver wasin the Booth.Mad Dog againt the Mets I believe.

Doggie finishes them off in under two hours and all McCarver could say was “Remarkable”.

That Greg did what he did when the steriod era was just cranking up makes his carreer even more special.

I supposed that some idiot writer will not vote for him on the first ballot.That will only make him look like a fool.

By Yowza

December 6, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

My first game at Turner Field in 1997: Cardinals vs. Braves. Andy Benes is pitching the best game of his life, no-hitting the Braves for 8 2/3 innings! (Michael Tucker broke up the no-no with a two-out single in the ninth) On the other side, Greg Maddux throws nine innings of shut-out ball to send the game into extras and the Braves eventually win 1-0. Benes clearly picked the wrong night to have a career game. Greg refused to be upstaged at home.

By LARRY FARREL

December 6, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

I had the opportunity to play in a Celebrity Golf outing at Golf Club of Georgia years ago with Maddux. What a true gentleman. He hit an absolute duck hook into the lake on one hole and said ” Geez I wish I could throw a curve like that” Thanks for the memories.

By tobinp

December 6, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

‘mad dog’ is the greatest pitcher i ever saw. he was an artist with a baseball and out-thought opposing hitters constantly. i remember watching a complete game he threw at Turner Field in about 70 minutes…we still had time to see a movie and get some dinner. thank you for the memories!!!

By Jeremiah

December 6, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Greg Maddux was the best, plain and simple… I have so many memoories of Greg, but my fave has to be his game five performance against Cleveland in 95… What was so awesome is that I think his performance pumped up Glavine to go out the next game and pitch the best game of his life… But few people talk about the fact, that those two games were AWESOME! I think Mad Dog only gave up one, maybe two hits, and then Glavine only gave up one the next night to lock down the World Series! I will NEVER FORGET IT! Years later, I worked at Turner Field in I.T. and I was responsible for the systems used to run the Stadium (Retail, restaurants, Point-of-sales, systems etc… anyways, I had the honor of seeing Greg, Glavine, Smoltz, Chipper and the gang on a daily basis.. It was the dream-job of a lifetime for a Die-Hard Braves fan that grew up watching this team… I had the fortune of seeing Greg almost daily as I arrived at the Ted for work.. Our parking lot was directly behind the stadium, and I would walk through the player’s lot on my way in… The times I got to pass Greg in the hall, I would always make eye contact and say hello and good luck if he was pitching… He was always gracious and respectful… did not ever act like he was too good to say hello… It was tough, because my urge was to ask for an autograph, or try and talk to more of the players because I was such a huge fan, but we had strict guidelines not to mess with the players, so I always tried to be as low-key and respectful as possible.. Despite this, there were a few times where I was lucky enough to have closer interaction with some players… Many times, since my office was close to the Braves Clubhouse and batting cages, as the pitchers and catchers would start to walk through the tunnel around to the bullpen, I would often give them rides on my Golfcart that I used for all of the I.T. Equipment… I was fortunate enough to be asked for rides from Smoltz (He was closer at the time), and several bullpen pitchers… I remember once though, when I was at the stadium working late and the Braves had just come back from a road trip and the bus pulled up out back and Maddux and Javy Lopez and other players were getting out… I was on the golfcart and Lopez saw me, stopped me, and he yelled at Greg to ‘Come on, this guy will give us a ride to the clubhouse..,’ So I rode Maddux and Lopez around to the clubhouse, where they had me wait while they went in, picked up personal items, and when they came back out, I gave them a ride back to the parking lots so they could get in their cars and go home… I remember thinking the whole time.. “Oh my God, I am driving Maddux and Lopez around in my Golf-Cart! No one will believe me!” I was afraid also, to talk to them too much and tell them how big of a fan I was, cause I did not want to abuse my position.. None the less though, they both thanked me and that was enough for me… It was one of the coolest memories of my life, and in general, working at the stadium for the 3 full baseball seasons that I did will be memories I will cherish forever… During my time there, I saw tons of celebrities and important people from the likes of Jimmy Carter, Ted Turner, Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Joe Morgan, Don Sutton (was in an elevator with Sutton quite frequently), but none made me quite as speechless as when I would run into the very same Braves players that I grew up worshipping, ala Maddux, Smoltz, Glavine and Chipper.. We will never, I believe, have as much HOF talent on a Braves team at one time again… I am so blessed to say, that for a short time, I was there… One of the last games I ever worked was in the 2003 Division Series against the Cubbies… Coincidenatlly, I had gotten my future wife a job for the summer at the Stadium with me. She was an Ice-Cream girl for the Suites… Work for me during games was usually tough, because I was always trying to watch the game, yet sometimes had to work to fix systems, so I could not always catch all of the games… However, towards the later innings, after alcohol sales are off, I would always get some time to walk out close to the field and watch the last couple of innings… anyways, on this particular game my wife calls me about the eigth inning and tells me that I will not believe who is in the Suite she is serving Ice Cream in.. I say who? She says Michael Jordan (I’m a big fan of him too, sorry).. So I use my access badge and credentials to go up to the Club level, and Jordan, Charles Oakley, Vince Carter, and several other very tall BB players are in this one huge Suite watching the Cubs.. By this time it was the ninth inning and I kinda sneak into their suite trying to look official like I am just checking to make sure they have everything they need… So I stand in a corner and I am watching the game too.. Well since I work there, I have a suit on with an Atlanta Braves tie. Jordan sees me, walks over to me looking down on the field watching the game. I’ll never forget, because it is at this point that our last batter gets out and we have lost the game, the Cubs were on their way to the NLCS.. I am dejected and hanging my head when Jordan slaps me on the shoulder and says very loud and happily “Don’t worry man, there is always next year!” and then he burst out into laughter… All of the guys were there obviously to watch the Cubies, so they were happy… I was sad, but it was pretty cool to be consoled by Jordan… Ah but I ramble.. I just have so many good memories when it comes to the Atlanta Braves… I am a die-hard fan for life…

By Goldrush

December 6, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

The man talked like nobody else. Somebody should put together a clip book of his oracular sayings in response to interview questions.

Asked about what he does with this or that hitter:

I take this ball and put it there. There’s no batter.

Asked what it’s like to play for the Braves on their long, long run:

I like waiting to win. This team does that so well.

Oh, and he was the most unassumingly masterful pitcher we’re likely to see in our lifetimes. Just go read his scouting report on the wall at Turner Field: Could be one of the greats. He was, what, 18 then.

What a guy. You don’t even mind that he retired a Dodger. He’ll always be a Brave.

By Samuel Alex

December 6, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

I have many great memories of Maddog. But one big important thing… not one person mention. When Maddux goes into the hall of fame 5 years from now…which baseball cap will he wear. Well we all hope he wears the Braves Baseball Cap.

By Supes

December 6, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Every game I watched Greg Maddux pitch is a memory, even when he screwed up. You could tell he was the ultimate competitor on the mound and wouldn’t give an inch to the batters!

I had the poster with “Mad Dog” growing up as a teenager and always thought Greg was down to earth, funny, never taking life too seriously or getting caught up in his own greatness. Having him pitch for the Braves was something we’ll probably never see again…like Jay said, the catcher setting the “target”, never moves an inch, Maddux gets the inside corner fastball and the impire having to yell “strike 3 you are out!” will be forever engraved in our memories as Braves fans!

Greg Maddux - 100% unanimous hall of famer, oh and it’s great that he’s got 1 more win than that cheater R. Clemens. Love it!

By Brian B.

December 6, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Don’t remember the exact year, but it was a good old fashioned duel between Maddox and then-Florida Marlin Gary Sheffield … Maddox paints the corners and gets a couple of strikes, Sheffield hits a couple of wicked, screaming line drives foul …a couple of pitches are “wasted,” the count goes to 3-2, and Maddox ties Sheffield into knots chasing a change-up. Sheff nearly screwed himself into the ground.

Maddox in the outfield with Andruw Jones during batting practice, trying to see what it was that allowed Jones to get such a jump on flyballs. Just when Maddox thought he’d figured it out, a ball would be hit to center and he’d break one way and Jones would break (correctly) the opposite direction.

The triple against the Phillies … or as TBS producer Glenn Diamond called it, “the most exciting 2 minutes in sports.”

Maddox was probably the best pitcher any of us will ever see. That he produced these numbers in the stats-inflated era of steroids in baseball, makes it all the more remarkable.

Besides, he was just plain fun to watch play baseball.

By maddiedog

December 6, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Mad Dog had the best sense of humor. Was lucky enough to know some people in clubhouse and asked them if they could get maddux to sign me a ball for my birthday. Well that night he goes out and throws a complete game shut out. A week later in the mail i get a signed ball that was shipping inside of his sanitary sock he wore during the game. Cracked me up. It was a pleasure watching him pitch, I’d rather watch him pitch than anybody else in baseball.

By Casey

December 6, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

The battles with Tony Gwynn in the mid 90’s Two of the most non-athlete looking people in the U.S. Maddux looked like an insurance salesman. Gwynn looked like a truck driver. Doggie was the best pure pitcher ever. (And, Gwynn wasn’t too bad either.)

By David H.

December 6, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

I don’t remember the exact year, 1996 I think, but it’s the only time I ever saw Maddux pitch in person. It wasn’t a really important game, sometime during the middle of the season against the Phillies. Maddux pitched a 2 hit complete game shutout throwing only 88 pitches. The game lasted just a few minutes over 2 hours. When he was on he was absolutely amazing and he made it look so simple.

By mike lum

December 6, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Since everyone has hit all the pitching memories, I’ll recount Doggie becoming the oldest pitcher to ever steal a base. He’s so observant, deadpan, and funny. Maddux will be missed…the greatest of his generation, and one of the best ever.

By Tony

December 6, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

I remember running late to get to one of Maddux’s games; I figured I would be there around the 3rd inning but the man’s efficiency made me about 7 innings late instead of the 3 that I presumed i was going to be.

By Michael K

December 6, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Mad-Dog, future hall of famer and Excellent pitcher, not thrower……..nuff said!!!

By Nice Guy

December 6, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Will he go into the hall of fame as a Brave or Cub?

By LivininAL

December 6, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

I enjoy reflecting on so many hitters dragging back to the dugout, shaking their head, and you could read their thoughts; How did he do that to me.. 3 times this game? A true pitcher!

By Chuck James is solid until the 6th!! (Formerly Steve-O)

December 6, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

Standing behind Maddux at Taco Bell next to the ball park 6 hours before a night game. He had his glasses, khaki shorts and his staple tacky button down on. He ordered relentless amounts of tacos and kindly signed a couple autographs and was on his way to the clubhouse. Just seein him there before I went to camp out at the players lot was pretty cool…Like alot of people mentioned above, just an everyday genuine guy, who happened to be the best pitcher on the planet. Enjoy your retirement Greg and you’re welcome in Atlanta ANYTIME man!!

By "Alice"

December 6, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Hey we got Cy Young winners over here.

Chicks Dig the Long Ball

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ltD21rYWVw

By Robert

December 6, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Between about 92 and 97 he’d either

strike you out looking with that cutter that made the lefties raise their arms up and the righties just gave up on it outside before it came screaming back across the corner of the plate

or he’d strike you out swinging flailing at a dead-fish changeup

Either way he’d stroll off the mound with a little crap-eating grin on his face

Seems like he did this about 300 times to Ray Lankford in particular.

Ah - Greg Maddux - even Bobby Cox couldnt ruin Greg Maddux

By Robert

December 6, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah - forgot to add the occasional f-bomb that you could hear on live tv when he missed really badly with a pitch

By Oscar

December 6, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Game 6 of the 93 NLCS

By jim

December 6, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Besides being a great pitcher, my memory of Maddux is that I don’t recall him doing anything for the community like Glavine, Smoltz and a host of others. I don’t recall him participating in any charitable golf tournaments, going to schools etc. He just seemed to come to pitch and then go home. Maybe he did something back in Las Vegas but it was not publicized here in Atl, and in any event if he did anything it was much less than others of his stature. Maybe I’m wrong about his participation, but the lack of community activities really taints my view of Maddux. And he definitely had a problem controlling his language—not a great role model. I don’t think he really cared about that though and that is sad.

By count_schemula

December 6, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Yeah, the f-bombs on TV. lolz, he was a little potty mouth. Def my fave and I really think his 13 and 15 game win streak seasons are at least as impressive as Cal Ripken’s games played. To escape injury, and pitch very well and consistent for almost 2 decades is fairly difficult. Even great pitchers will throw in the occassional 9-10-11 win season for some reason or another. Not Maddux. He retired at just the right time. He was losing effectiveness, but he never looked outmatched before he got out. Class in every way.

By Kenny

December 6, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

As someone who has always enjoyed a pitchers duel and a defensive game it was awesome to be able to watch Maddux for so long. I will always remember him for the control of his pitches he demonstrated on the mound. That and being the greatest fielding pitcher the game has ever seen. I have read most of the other comments and people keep forgetting to mention that Nolan Ryan was probably the best pitcher the game has ever seen, with Maddux as a close second. He was definitely the greatest Braves pitcher.

By count_schemula

December 6, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

He went to work, he performed like a pro, was intelligent and consistent, not full of bull poo. He provided me more with his example than Smoltz did by giving eleventy billion dollars to his kids christian school. He does not owe the community any more than that. We got to watch one of the best MLB pitchers ever. Foundations do not mean much. Vick has/had one. Britanny Spears has one. They are not out curing cancer to my knowledge.

By Chris

December 6, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

I remember two things the most:

1) How he used to play catch with kids in the cheap seats during bp. He’d literally stand by the foul line and play catch with a 10 year old kid in the front row of the upper deck.

2) CHICKS DIG THE LONG BALL. He and Glavine hitting each other with a stick - “Step into it Alice!”

To reiterate what somebody else said - the fact he was this good at the height of the steroid era is amazing. So much attention has given to the massive homerun craze of the 1990s - allegedly tighter baseballs, the humidor, small parks and he juice. He just dominated those guys

By mike

December 6, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

greatest control of anyone i have ever seen pitch.. i actually liked seeing Maddux cuss a lot because it showed he has emotion and passion about the game. ..and sorry to disappoint but i dont see maddux coming back as any sort of coach here.. las vegas is his home and im pretty sure he is pretty dedicated to his golfing out there. hey maddux we have good courses here too!!

By hal

December 6, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

So many memories, but i remember reading an article, where i believe Leo was quoted. he went to the mound with 2 on and one out. he asked him if he was ok? greg said, yeh i and fixing to throw him a slider inside and let him hit it to chipper to turn 2. Next pitch, double play to 3rd. he was the best i have ever seen in his prime. his control was amazing, and only threw it 88 to 90 mile an hour from high school on. thanks for all greg.

By Adiven Jack

December 6, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

There are so many memories of Mad Dog but I must admit…for me, they all start here:

http://tinyurl.com/maddux-article

Thanks for showing a young baseball fan what being a true professional ball player was all about.

By gayle

December 6, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

No question that Maddux was the best of the staff - no doubt! I remember taking my daughter to a game at Fluton County Stadium when Mad Dog was pitching. I told her to watch him closely because he would be the best pitcher she would ever see.

You can find the famous Maddux/Glavine Heather Locklear “Chicks dig the long ball” commercial on YouTube. It is a classic!

By itpdude

December 6, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Chicks love the long ball and the Publix commercial showing him home relaxing on the off times… and, oh yeah, some masterful pitching performances. I liked watching the guy a lot.

By Greg

December 6, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

My best memories? A cut fastball tailing back over the outside corner.. at the knees. A sub-two hour baseball game. 1-4-3 double play.

By Chris

December 7, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

It has to be any opening day that Maddux started, seeing that first pitch, move in, then tail out, got psyched for the season…watching him pitch was a thing of beauty…

By woogidy

December 7, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

I went to a game one time, sat in the outfield before batting practice. Maddux was winding up and throwing pitches to the wall in the outfield grass. It took me a few pitches to realize what he was doing, but I saw the dent in the foam padding on the wall, with the next ball only pound it deeper, not make it bigger. I watched as he hit the same spot 5-6 more times. It was then I realized how amazing his control really was. He was one of the main reasons I became such a huge baseball fan. Loved watching him pitch.

By Tim

December 7, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

Greg Maddux is definitely the best “pitcher” that many of have ever seen. No other pitcher seemed to be able to out think the batters like Mad Dog. I was fortunate to meet him in the clubhouse and when asked to autograph a ball for my daughter, he said (in perfect Maddux style), “Why would anybody want my autograph?” Ofcourse, he had that ——eating grin on his face and signed the ball. If you saw him pitch, remember it; you will never see anyone pitch like him again.

By Amru

December 8, 2008 5:44 AM | Link to this

August 18, 1998 was one of the happiest days of my life. I had just turned 14 a few days earlier, and my dad was taking me to see the Braves up, close and personal for my first time. Maddux was already far-and-away my favorite Brave at the time, and I could hardly contain my excitement when we arrived at the ballpark and found that he would be pitching that night. Maddux was facing off against Kirk Rueter and the Giants that night, and naturally made quick work of them. I couldn’t help but laugh when Maddux got Bonds to strike out looking. Of course, Bonds argued incessantly, but then, that only made it funnier. That game also happened to be career win no. 200 for Greg Maddux, which only served to make the night even more special. For years, I’d prayed as a kid to get to see the Braves and Greg Maddux in person, and that one night made all of the waiting well worth it.

Fast-forward to 2007. For several months, a couple of friends of mine and I had been casually throwing around the idea of making a four-hour road trip to Atlanta to catch a Braves game. It was about May 7th, and I looked ahead in the schedule to see that the Braves would be hosting the Padres. I then looked at the matchup for May 9th, and it read “Maddux vs. Smoltz.” I knew then that this was a game that just couldn’t be missed. Sure enough, two days later, we made the four-hour drive just to see Greg Maddux and John Smoltz.

The matchup came just as advertised. Maddux and Smoltz both pitched great games, and still had a fun time doing it. Before his first at-bat, we gave Maddux a standing ovation. The very next pitch, he ripped a single into center field off of Smoltz, and we all booed. Of course, nobody seriously meant it. And knowing Maddux’s quirky sense of humor, I’m sure he got a kick out of it. That was one of the most intense games I’d ever watched; seeing Maddux and Smoltz match each other pitch-for-pitch was breathtaking. Greg ended up giving up a run in 5+ innings (struck out McCann twice and Chipper once), but the SD ‘pen blew it and the Braves won 3-2.

If I could thank Greg personally, I’d let him know just how much he made me love the game of baseball and the Atlanta Braves. Doing what he did while remaining so low-key only makes me respect him even more. To watch this unassuming man accomplish so much is a testament to the beauty of the game of baseball. What a pleasure it has been to watch the best years of his career; he’ll certainly be missed.

By jimfromtennessee

December 8, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

It was a cold, rainy, overcast day with the wind blowing in off Lake Michigan in Chicago. I don’t remember the year, but Maddox was in his prime as were the Braves. He threw 68 pitches in a complete game! I think he could have thrown the ball into a baseball cap in any location the catcher put down. The Cubs knew they weren’t going to get anything to hit so they swung at 1st pitches all day and beat them into the ground at short and second. From my seat (I got lucky) right behind the plate, that was the most awesome pitching display I have ever seen. Maddox in his prime was the best. Good luck Greg, you brought us some great memories.

By TravMan

December 8, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Memory #1 - 1996 - Old Busch Stadium - Complete game - start to finish in one hour and 45 minutes or so — not nearly long enough to get two beverages in. Memory # 2 - The SI cover the issue after the World Series victory with him being on the bottom of the pile, mobbed by his teammates and he has the BIGGEST grin on his face. Memory #3 - The commercials with Glavine (“chicks did the long ball”). Memory #4 - consistency, consistency, consistency! Future Memory # 1 - Booking the trip to Cooperstown in 2013 for the HOF induction!

By Original Jon

December 8, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Geez For all you people who are supposedly fans of his, you would think you would spell a future hall of famers name correctly. Its Maddux, not Maddox. Sheesh.

By Gary Parsons

December 8, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

This says it all

ERA
2.18 2.36 1.56 1.63 2.72 2.2 2.22

7 YEAR AVERAGE 1992 - 1998 = 2.12

Clemens and the roid induced rest were not the best

By Sideline

December 8, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

I heard Skip talking about how Greg did things for people that we never heard about. Example: The team was leaving for a long road-trip after this particular game.

A couple of the clubhouse boys were talking about what they would do in the time off. One said that he’d like to drive to Texas to a cousin’s wedding, but he knew his old car wouldn’t make it.

Maddux walking by heard this, flipped the kid the keys to his car and said, “Just get it back before we do.” And walked out.

Wow.

Skip (I think) recounted a story about one umpire behind the plate to officiate his first Maddux game who, after the game, said “I had heard how good he was, but I didn’t believe it. Now I do.” And walked off shaking his head.

One in untold millions.

Thanks, Greg. You brought a great deal of happiness to us!

By DJ

December 8, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

My greatest memory of Mad Dog Maddux was when the Braves acquired him as a free agent in December 1992. What a run from 1993-2003 and had it not been for the lack of available funds, he would pitched the last 6 years in a Braves uniform.

The real question is: WHAT CAP WILL HE BE WEARING WHEN HE IS ENSHRINED INTO THE HALL OF FAME?

My guess would think and hope that it would be as a ATLANTA BRAVE, #31.

Thanks again Gregory Alan Maddux for your contributions to the franchise.

By MiamiBeachBravesFan

December 8, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

He was a little dumpy-looking on the mound, not quite what one would think of when they pictured a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He had this little curl of the lower lip, and often, he would stand on the mound, mouth agape.

He looked like the anti-baseball player. And that’s why we love him so much. In this era of steroid allegations, I think it is quite fitting that he did end up passing Roger Clemens, proving that there is such a thing as good baseball karma.

He was brilliant on the mound and quiet off it. The only moment of self-indulgence Greg enjoyed was being in the “chicks dig the longball” ad campaign for Nike, along with Tom Glavine. Which proved to be a bit of sweet irony, since, ultimately, Braves fans and baseball purists dug Maddux more than any other pitcher in the modern era.

Peter Gammons never hesitates to speak well of Clemens, yet, I feel that if we were all able to speak with the top baseball media types proprietarily, they would have to say that in light of what has been some pretty obvious revelations about Clemens (like Bonds, McGwire, Sosa, et. al.), the greatest pitcher in the modern era has to be Greg Maddux.

Without question, bar none.

With Bonds now out of the conversation - completely, I’ll take it a step further and say that Greg Maddux was the most dominating - and best - baseball player in the modern era.

Without question, bar none.

Greg, the 90’s were the happiest days of my life as a sports’ fan. I have you in large part to thank for that. Your class, integrity, talent, grit, and domination will never be forgotten. I wish you and yours a wonderful life, and that all of us who are true baseball fans will always hold you in the highest esteem.

See you in Cooperstown in 2014.

By 96,sc

December 8, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

I hated missing a single pitch. I watched every pitch he threw that I could. He made games shorter and more fun.

By Matt

December 8, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

I’ll never forget 1995 Maddux winning a game against Philadelphia and Skip Caray’s quote “He’s the best folks, he is the best…”

By Funny guy

December 9, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

Well My greatest memory of Greg was in 1997 I met him at a baseball signing , the most down to earth guy you would ever want to meet. And as far as a game situation well there are so many just to watch him pitch with that amazing control and movement I don’t know if there will ever be someone like him ever again. Thank you Greg for the memories and good luck in your future.

By George

December 9, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

My greatest memory of Greg Maddux is every time he took the mound. I will always remember him for his pitching ability but also for his class. He never criticized his manager, coaches, or team mates, He never embarrassed his club on or off the field and was a great example of what a sports hero should be…..Best wishes to a true American Baseball legend.

By Hoosier Aaron

December 9, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

My favorite Maddux memory…

A left-handed hitter with two strikes. Cutter thrown at his belt buckle. Hitter gives up as the ball catches the inside black.

Always the same look on the hitters face and never an argument…Classic!

The great thing about it - he’d do it four or times times a game. I knew it was coming, you knew it was coming and the hitter knew it was coming.

I saw Tom Seaver several times at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati as a kid. I never thought I’d personally see anyone better.

Tom was Terrific but Maddux is THE BEST!

By lew

December 9, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

Mad Dog was pitching for the Padres this year and he was struggling to hit the corners and the ump wasn’t giving him anything. He was not happy with the calls but never showed the ump up. As he was walking off the field they picked him up on the mike and he said to the ump ” my bad I just can’t seem to get that fourth stike tonight”. He just kept walking and the ump just laughed. Only Mad Dog could have gotten away with that. His quick wit, great humor and humbble attitude is what made him the best pitcher ever.