An appreciation of Maddux's career

Rick Wallach, Miami, Florida — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 05:40:45 GMT

I saw Maddux pitch against the Mets and Florida Marlins more times than I could count. I do remember that I sat between third and home, first and home, directly behind home so I got to see his pitches from every possible angle. I never did figure out why hitters didn't crush that stuff he seemed to toss so casually towards the plate, although I also recall watching so many hitters lean slightly towards the far side of the plate and then grimmace or hear them groan audibly when the pitch they were sure was going to be outside passed just across the black, that indecisive bat in their hands wobbling slightly as if an invisible hand had grabbed it and wouldn't let it go despite its will to go. And this is how it was game after game after game. No, we won't see his like again in my lifetime, but I think my kids got to see enough of him so that if another one comes along, they'll remember the way it was and make the comparison.

An appreciation of Maddux's career

Tim Coyne, Ravenna, OH — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:07:17 GMT

Nice write-up, Mike. But you left out the 18 Gold Gloves Maddux won, which is astonishing, including the NL award for pitcher in 2008. No pitcher fielded his position better than Greg Maddux. How many outs did he make by being a good fielder that other pitchers wouldn't have made?

Also, Maddux was a terrific team player. And never one to shout about his own success, he was quiet and humble. Never too high and never too low, probably what most of us like to see in star athletes. I could never bring myself to root against him. He is a class act.

Watching Maddux pitch was a treat and his feats will be missed by baseball fans everywhere.

An appreciation of Maddux's career

Deborah Shaw, Richmond, Indiana — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:07:55 GMT

Greg Maddux is a class act and a pleasure to have watched. Even when he was pitching against my favorite team. Sorry to see him retire but respect his decision. Thanks Greg!

An appreciation of Maddux's career

JB, Kenmore, WA — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:34:56 GMT

Greg Maddux is the greatest pitcher of his generation, and a gentleman in every sense of the word.

Put Maddux in a suit and tie, and have him wear his glasses, and he looks and sounds like a CPA. Put him on the mound, and you'll have a very tired infield behind him, and batters trotting back to the dugout.

He didn't strike out batters (though take a look at his career numbers; they'll surprise you), but he teased them into slapping at pitches at the corners of the zone. Hitters were left with slow ground balls hit to the infielders, and no chance of beating the throw to first.

The number I'd really like to see is number of pitches per 9 innings...Maddux would absolutely dominate that statistic (fewer being better).

Absolute first-ballot Hall of Fame. Might challenge for highest vote percentage ever. Can't wait to hear his speech, maybe right after Glavine's.

An appreciation of Maddux's career

jerry mapes, englewood, fl. — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 02:24:31 GMT

I believe it is time for everybody to stay away from all professional sports and all major college sports until things start to change and return to normal if that is possible in todays world.

An appreciation of Maddux's career

kthurau st.louis missouri — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:58:29 GMT

No doubt about it. Hall of Famer all the way. A surgeon on the mound who maximized his ability like few others. And a class act, no controversy or loud mouthed boorish behavior. Welcome to Cooperstown, Mr Maddux. I only regret you did not win some of those games in a Cardinals uniform.

An appreciation of Maddux's career

Chris Miller, Renton, Washington — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 06:59:42 GMT

Amen to that. I grew up in the South and watched the Braves when I had the chance to. I know, coming from a Yankees fan, it was not fun for him to pitch against us. But, he was a great pitcher and probably will never see the likes of him again.

An appreciation of Maddux's career

T. Dix, Barnesville, Ga — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:59:28 GMT

As a Braves fan, I seemingly saw them all. He was a vulgar, pitch begging, skate saving MIASTRO on the hill who, BTW, had a personal catcher during most of his ATL career.

Chicks dig the long ball; I dig maddog.

An appreciation of Maddux's career

Mike Lynch, Boston, MA — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:57:36 GMT

Greg Maddux was a "pitcher" in every sense of the word. You are right about his "stuff"....never overpowering, but definitely mezmerizing. He was a craftsman, a surgeon, an artist. The best part of watching him pitch was turning the andro-pumping, steroidal hitters of this age inside out. The game will miss his gifts.

An appreciation of Maddux's career

Steve, Buffalo, NY — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:10:24 GMT

I was fortunate to attend his last game in Wrigley earlier this year; the Cubs hit him pretty well and he took the L, but no matter. It was still great to see "the Professor" at work, and the Wrigley fans sent him off with a well-deserved standing ovation. Hopefully he, and not Clemens, will be remembered as the greatest pitcher of his era, which is precisely what he is.

An appreciation of Maddux's career

Ed Barding — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:25:40 GMT

I read years ago that Maddux had as much movement on his pitches at the plate as ANYONE. Thereby proving its not how hard you throw as how much your pitch moves and if you can find the strike zone. Unlike some pitchers Maddux could adjust to any Umps strike zone and still get hitters out. On top of that he fielded,HIT,and mentored countless young pitchers.As a Cub fan I hated to see him go loved to see him return and enjoyed him every time I git to see him pitch.You cant help but enjoy the opportunity to watch greatness weather its your team or not.His excellence and MODESTY will be surely missed

An appreciation of Maddux's career

Doug Noffsinger, Tucson, AZ — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 23:25:52 GMT

Among the many ballplayers I am thankful for having lived to watch, Mr. Maddux is on top the list. Even tho he broke my heart on many occasions, I always left the games thinking I had seen greatness.

An appreciation of Maddux's career

Chris, Sandusky, OH — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:32:54 GMT

I saw Maddux pitch 8 shutout innings only to have Rocker blow it in the 9th against the Reds. Greatest and worst game I've ever seen in one. I'll never forget getting to see him that one time.

An appreciation of Maddux's career

Steve Cheaney - Aurora, IL — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 01:34:43 GMT

Guess which pitcher had: the most HR's, stolen bases, hits, and Golden Gloves during his major league pitching tenure? True to form the Cubs traded him as he was to reach his prime, Just like Lou Brock. Maddux was a master at pitching, the Cubs are the masters of CHOKE !!!!!!

An appreciation of Maddux's career

Ambrose Lynch, Binghamton New York — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:18:52 GMT

Greg Maddox will certainly go down as one of the greatest pitchers of all time. He surely was a joy to watch. Like all the greats, he knew how to take care of his arm. Warming up properly, and not throughing the hard junk. He truly is an example to follow.