Today Greg Maddux is retiring from baseball, at the age of 102. I will really miss him. From the time he started out as a Cub, so very many years ago, he was my favorite pitcher. Greg Maddux was an average looking guy who wore glasses, had no real fastball or discernible out pitch and absolutely dominated Major League hitters during the most productive hitting era in history. He used smarts and almost magical location to get guys out, and it's amazing that after 20 years, you could still only hit him when he missed his spot. He was the best pitcher in baseball the day he left the Cubs for the Atlanta Braves, a move that he didn't want to make but was put upon him through poor Cub's management and
The Devil Scott Boras. It did, however, give me a reason to follow the Braves, which worked out well since the Cubs went on to stink for most of the 1990's.
He joined the Cubs again a few years ago, and due to sad but understandable business reasons he had to leave again, this time heading west. It made my stomach churn to watch him pitch against the Cubs in the playoffs this year, but it was nice that the Cubbie faithful applauded him when his name was announced.
Greg has been my favorite pitcher for what seems like my entire life. It's sad to see him go, but I know I'll get to see him in five years at his Hall of Fame induction.
3 comments:
Dan,
I don't want to be "this guy." I really, really don't. It's not in my nature, and I'm sorry for pointing out that you spelled Tim Hanks instead of Tom Hanks.
I've let it go.
It doesn't bother me anymore.
Sorry if I offended you.
Aaron
p.s. It's "Maddux."
I should really start doing some very basic proof reading before I hit the "post" button. But that would involve effort...
And besides, I don't know what you're talking about.
Don't worry about proofing.
I'll continue to be the anal copy editor and you can worry about other things.
And at only $5 an error, I'm a real bargain.
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