Maddux: A Dozen Memories

The 2014 MLB HOF class includes one of the greatest right-handed pitchers of all-time, Greg Maddux.  I had the privilege of watching “The Professor” pitch a dozen times in person.  Here are the games ranked in order of effectiveness.

Game 12: May 8, 2006 at Petco Park (Chicago Cubs)

On this night, ‘Mad Dog’ was off his game.  Maddux was hammered for seven earned runs on nine hits in only 3.67 innings pitched.  This was easily his least effective performance in person.

Game 11: September 20, 2006 at Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers)

The newly acquired Maddux pitched five innings allowing three earned runs.  The highlight of the game was     receiving free box tickets from stadium police officers outside the center field gates.

Game 10: June 22, 1998 at Yankee Stadium (Atlanta Braves)

A tremendous pitching match up between Greg Maddux and Andy Pettitte ends in a 6-4 Yankees victory. Maddux pitches six innings allowing nine hits and three earned runs.

Game 9: April 21, 2001 at Veterans Stadium (Atlanta Braves)

‘The Professor’ tosses seven innings allowing two earned runs on seven hits.  The Atlanta Braves struggled to provide  any run support on this night in a 4-1 defeat.

Game 8: August 8, 2006 at Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers)

In his first home start after being traded from the Chicago Cubs, Maddux tosses six innings allowing two earned runs on seven hits.  Admittedly, I was very excited to have my favorite pitcher competing for the local team.

Game 7: August 30, 2006 at Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Maddux was on his game early.  The right-hander hurled seven innings allowing eight hits and two earned runs.  The veteran provided a late-season jolt to the rotation.

Game 6: June 12, 1996 at Shea Stadium (Atlanta Braves)

This was the first time I ever watched Greg Maddux pitch live.  The ace right-hander twirled seven innings allowing two earned runs on seven hits.  The Mets won 3-2.

Game 5: April 13, 2008 at Dodgers Stadium (San Diego Padres)

This was the last game I ever watched Greg Maddux pitch live.  ‘Mad Dog’ tossed five shut out innings allowing only three base runners.

Game 4: August 11, 2005 at Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs)

Maddux pitched a complete game victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.  The veteran right-hander allowed four runs on twelve hits.  It was the only time Maddux went the distance in my attended games.

Game 3: October 10, 1998 at Qualcomm Stadium (NLCS Game 3 ATL)

At a raucous Qualcomm Stadium, Greg Maddux tosses only five innings allowing two earned runs in Game 3 of 1998 NLCS.  A questionable managerial call leads the Atlanta Braves to the brink of elimination.

Game 2: April 17, 2006 at Dodger Stadium (Chicago Cubs)

This was the most dominant game I ever watched Greg Maddux pitch.  So, how is it only number 2?  ‘The Professor’ twirled eight brilliant innings allowing one earned run on three hits.  The time of game was a manageable 1:59.  It was a brilliant gem tossed by the veteran ace.

Game 1: October 12, 1998 at Qualcomm Stadium (NLCS Game 5 ATL)

The most memorable Greg Maddux appearance occurred during the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 1998        NLCS.  This marked the only time in his distinguished career that Maddux would earn a save.  The right-hander was summoned from the Atlanta Braves bullpen to save their season.  The Braves won 7-6 extending the series to a sixth game.

Thanks for the memories Cy Maddux and congrats on the Hall of Fame.