Maddux Calls it Quits

In an announcement that must have sent pangs of pain through his wallet, Scott Boras let it be known today that Greg Maddux is retiring. Maddux is the first of the Maddux-Smoltz-Glavine trio to officially call it quits.  Both Smoltz and Glavine's futures are in doubt as they're each coming off arm surgery.  The possibility lingers that these three could go on the Hall of Fame ballot together, which would be interesting indeed. It would also mean that Mike Mussina would be on the same ballot.  Very interesting indeed. But let's address Maddux.  He's long been talked about alongside Roger Clemens as the greatest pitcher of his generation, and rightfully so. Maddux walks away from the game with:

• Three straight NL Cy Young Awards (1992 through 1995), then finished in the top five in voting in four out of the next five years

• A record of 355-227 (one more than Clemens)

• He won at least 13 games for 20 straight seasons

• 18 career Gold Gloves

• A career WHIP of 1.143

• A career ERA+ of 132

• Out of twenty-three seasons, Maddux had only four seasons with an ERA+ under 100, two of which were his first two years in the majors, the others in 2007 (98 ERA+) and 2008 (93 ERA+)

• Career K/BB ratio was 3.37:1

• He missed going 21 straight seasons with 200 or more innings pitched by 8 and 2/3s innings (instead it was 17 out of 18)

On top of all this, Maddux had the living reputation as one of the smartest pitchers of his era with incredible control.  He averaged 1.8 walks per nine innings for his career, which is pretty remarkable.  His best years were ptiched alongside two other great pitchers, yet there was rarely ever doubt who the best of the three was. Glavine and Smoltz combined posted an ERA+ over 160 in one season as a starter.  Maddux did it for seven years

in a row.

With Roger Clemens having reached the black list due to steroid allegations, history will treat Greg Maddux that much better. There's a famous story about Maddux.  In a key situation in a game, Cox trots to the mound and asks Maddux if wants to face the next batter or walk him.  Maddux replies, "I think I can get him to pop to third."  Sure enough, he did. Maybe Rob Neyer will debunk that story in the next edition of his Baseball Legends book, but for now, I'm going to believe it true.  Maddux is the only pitcher I've ever seen who could make me believe it.