ATLANTA -- The entire Atlanta Braves 25-man roster, coaching staff, some former players and almost 900 fans were in attendance today to watch Greg Maddux become the 21st player in Braves history to enter their Hall of Fame.Joe Simpson was the Master of Ceremonies today at a luncheon celebrating the career of Greg Maddux, which spanned 11 seasons in Atlanta and ended with the pitcher landing eighth on the all-time wins list with 355 career wins.
Instead of focusing on his four consecutive Cy Young Awards, a feat nobody has ever matched, or his 18 Gold Gloves, fans were treated Friday to stories about Maddux the person and teammate; stories which not only proved his worth as a ball player, but showed us all that Greg Maddux lived, breathed and loved this game, and wanted not only to be the best, but have fun doing so.
Following the introductions, a very esteemed group of individuals gathered on stage to answer a few questions about Maddux. John Schuerholz, Eddie Perez, who was at most times Maddux' personal catcher, Leo Mazzone and Chipper Jones joined Joe Simpson to spend some time reflecting on the career of Greg Maddux.
Schuerholz started off with a powerful message that no person in the room could doubt. When asked if Maddux was the best right-handed pitcher he had ever seen, Schuerholz replied, "No doubt, no question." A short and simple answer about a pitcher who was anything but simple.
The loudest reception came in response to Eddie Perez' answer to Simpson's question about whether catching Maddux was harder physically or mentally.
"It was more mental. I had to teach him a lot of stuff." was Perez' answer sending roars through the panel and crowd.
And Chipper Jones recalled a story about a game during his rookie season in 1995, a game against the San Francisco Giants. Barry Bonds was at bat and Jones, who admittedly was a bit anxious, collided with Maddux on the first base side of the pitchers' mound, knocking them both over.
"'Bleep' dammit, mother 'bleepin' settle the 'bleep' down... 'bleepin' rookie", Jones recalled, noting he was putting it nicely for the crowd.
After the first six Braves hitters collected hits, including Jones, Maddux walked over to make amends... sort of.
"Hey Larry, nice job. Now stay the 'bleep' away from me"
Whether it was stories like this that showed the lighter, yet competitive side to Maddux or statements about Maddux' uncanny ability to set hitters up, out thinking them even months in advance sometimes, every person in the room knew they witnessed greatness for the eleven seasons Maddux spent in Atlanta.
Of the 24 players in Major League Baseball history who have earned 300 or more wins, four were in attendance today, if you include Tom Glavine's taped speech. Glavine, who was unable to attend because of his ten-year-old son's baseball tournament in Florida, thanked Maddux for "making me a better player".
He also shared the excitement he felt upon hearing the news that Maddux would be joining the Braves, back in 1993.
"I had a feeling [about] what we were about to witness for the next five to 10 years. [We got] five of the greatest years of any pitcher in the game," Glavine said.
Don Sutton, one of the other 300-game winners in the room, complimented Maddux for being the best pitcher "one out of every five days" and the best teammate "four out of the other five days". Sutton also said that he regretted never being able to play with Maddux.
"You would have made me better," he said to Maddux.
When Maddux finally took the stage he thanked many people. He thanked Bobby Cox for teaching him. He gave thanks to teammates Chipper Jones and David Justice. Jones for "driving in a lot of runs" and Justice for "that home run", making sure to mention the solo shot Justice hit against the Cleveland Indians in game six of the 1995 World Series to clinch the Braves the title.
Maddux made light of Eddie Perez' comment from earlier saying, "I did listen to you; more than you know". He also called Rafael Furcal and Andruw Jones "pitcher's best friends" for their amazing defensive prowess.
Greg Maddux was officially inducted into the Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame at 1:15 PM ET when he received a miniature statue, which was a replica of what would be installed in Monument Grove, outside of Turner Field.
Before Friday night's game against New York, Maddux will become the sixth person to have his number retired for the Braves. He'll join Hank Aaron (44), Eddie Matthews (41), Dale Murphy (3), Phil Niekro (35) and Warren Spahn (21). Along with those five numbers, no one else will ever again wear number 31.
In true No. 31 fashion, Maddux ended his speech by raising his voice a little and saying, "Let's crush the Mets tonight".
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
best pitcher that didn't take steroids! any pitcher who can throw complete games with pitch counts in the 80's is bound for greatness. Maddux was definitely the best, but the rest of that pitching staff was pretty awesome in their own right.
I think this guy deserves every alcolade he gets, although I also believe the umps gave him a lot of phantom stikes and a very wide strike zone. That's just the Astros fan in me. Anyway, congratulations Mr. Maddox.
What can I say, this man deserves every honor he gets. I enjoyed watching every game he pitched in Atlanta, and even though he surrounded by the best pitching staff in baseball at the time, he still managed to shine. My Donruss '87 Greg Maddux baseball card is still my favorite in my collection, and I cannot wait until I give to my son, so he can see what a hall of famer really looks like. Congrats #31!!!
It was a pleasure watching Maddux go about his business, almost flying under the radar of the power pitchers like Clemens.
Ridiculously great at his craft, but acting like just another member of the team.
It would be a shame if he does not go into the hall wearing a Brave's hat. That was a history making run and deserves to be represented so in Cooperstown.
Congrats Mad Dog!! We loved watching you here in big A town!
wish chichago reckon his efort!!
They already did in a dual ceremony retiring #31 in recognition of Fergie Jenkins & Greg Maddux.
yes...I live and die with the Yankees but next to the word Pitcher belongs a picture of Greg Maddux..
There was none better. Ever.
a true hall of famer, AND 18 gold gloves!... and i think his BA was around .260 lifetime, too!... and his K to BB ratio was insane!...he walked the talk, for sure... really a throwback type player... could have won 500 in the early days of baseball... and don't forget the 4 straight cy young awards!!!... great at every facet of the game... we brave fans can only hope and pray that he chooses to wear our uniform in the HOF!!!
LOVE him! He was and remains one of my favorite MLB'ers!! He is as kind off the field as on and at our school, where is sis in law taught, he always gave a signed ball for our auctions. Always goes beyond what is expected. A great guy - a great player! Congrats and much continued success for him!
I saw Maddux pitch and it was his mind set that made him different he was not going to be beat and his mind set made that staff better I am honored to have hade the opportunity to witness his greatness. Thank you Greg