Greg Maddux, was he the best pitcher of his generation?
Greg Maddux off the baseball diamond may look like a high school history teacher to some, but it was his work on the mound that earned him the nickname the professor. While Greg Maddux may not exactly fit what some say the best pitcher in baseball is supposed to look like it’s his statistics that say for the better part of his career he was. We’ve all been outmatched at some point in our lives; for some it was mentally, and for others it was physically. Greg Maddux is no exception to this because unlike Randy Johnson who was 6 foot 10 inches tall and left handed or Roger Clemens who was 6 foot 4 inches tall and weighed around 250 pounds Greg was physically outmatched everyday when he showed up to the ballpark. Standing at only 6 feet tall and weighing a measly 175 pounds during his playing days he must be considered one of the greatest pitchers the game of baseball has ever seen. Being a lifelong Braves fan I grew up watching the great pitching of the late 90’s and early 2000’s Braves’ staffs that included Maddux at the top of the rotation. One could say I am biased due to the fact I watched Greg more than I ever watched Randy Johnson or Roger Clemens but it only made me appreciate Maddux’s greatness even more when I saw him on an every 5th night basis. Greg Maddux’s early
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Greg quickly sped through the minor leagues where he was called up to the majors on September 1, 1986 only 2 years after being drafted. Greg made his debut at Wrigley field on September the 4th in the 18 inning of a game that started the day before. At this time Wrigley didn’t have lights yet so all the games were played in the day and if it got too dark they suspended the game and picked it up the next day. Greg gave up a homerun and the cubs lost the
Eric Wright Miss Royse English 4 8 April 2015 Tuesday Night Fight: Koufax vs. Johnson Two pitchers so great at what they do that tens of thousands would flock just to watch their artistic play. Although, Koufax was more of an art while Johnson’s was more of brutish force. They could never be compared on the field due to them playing 20 years apart. However, I will use statistics and sport analysts to show how Sandy really was the superior baseball pitcher.
In 1967 he got his first taste as a starting pitcher with the Mets. Skip to 1970, the Mets were not pleased with Ryan’s performances with his best year with them in 1968. He earned a 3.09 era, pitches 134 innings, racked up 133 strikeouts, and only giving up 12 home runs. The Mets got a trade offer from the Anahiem Angels in 1971 looking to get one of the Mets starting pitchers. They were looking at Gerry Gentry but the Mets never agreed on the offer.
Dizzy Dean, the top dog of the St. Louis Cardinals pitching staff during the 1930’s attracted baseball fans from all over the country. His overpowering fastball dominated the game. Dean was a feared pitcher in the National League, achieving four consecutive strikeout titles and he had four seasons where he had 20 or more wins. In his 17 years in the major leagues, he pitched a total of 1,967 innings and struck out 1,163 batters.
All of these stats put together are hall of fame worthy by any standard of player and which is why every time you go to New York, a yankees game, a baseball website, or anything baseball related you will almost be guaranteed to see something with the words “Jeter” on it. One more thing to mention, with the retiring of Jeter’s #2 you will never, ever again, see a Yankees player with a single digit number. 1-9 has been retired by the yankees. Derek Jeter was also a postseason monster. He was always clutch during the 4 world series he played in over the span of his 20 year major league career.
I would compare that to an early form of IcyHot. Whether he had more left in him is up to the man himself. He was able to walk away from the game at a young age with a plethora of accomplishments. Four no hitters, including a perfect game. Three Cy Young awards, three World Series titles, seven time all-star, and league MVP, just to name a few.
The Texas Rangers currently sit atop the AL West by 6 games over the Houston Astros led by the forgotten ace Cole Hamels. Hamels was dealt to the Rangers at the deadline last July and hasn 't missed a beat the former world champion has put together a quiet 12-2 record with a 2.84 ERA putting him in Cy Young conversation. Hamels has been one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball for 10 years being the ace for two different clubs and helps lead the Phillies to a championship in 2008 as I mentioned. Since putting on the Rangers uniform he is 19-3 and amazingly he hasn 't been talked about as much as he should because he is out West. I think that 's been a great benefit for Hamels because although he is the ace he is not “the guy” as he was in the latter part of his Phillies career.
George Kenneth “Ken” Griffey Jr. is a retired baseball player, that is now in the Hall of Fame. Ken was born in Donora, Pennsylvania on November 21, 1969. Ken played 22 full seasons throughout his career (ESPN.com). Although Griffey was successful in the Major Leagues, he did not go to college. He was drafted out of high school as the first pick of the first round in 1987.
Roger Maris’ career has been criticized for its length and lack of consistency in batting average. Maris only played 12 seasons in the MLB, which is considered short for a potential Hall of Famer. The majority of players in Cooperstown played 15 or more. Criticizing him for having a shorter career than the majority of Hall of Famers doesn’t make him less worthy of the Hall of Fame. The fact that he produced the statistics he did with three or more, fewer seasons than most Hall of Famers makes his career even more remarkable.
Justin had amazing velocity and his pitches but did not have any control which made other kids not even want to get near the plate. When Justin got into high school his father sent him to Richmond Baseball Academy
When he began to pitch it was obvious he had a tremendous gift and soon he merged with the Cuban X-Giants, where he became their ace pitcher. That season they won forty-four games in a row. Prior to so many victories he decided to join the team that he defeated known as the Philadelphia Giants and began to gain a reputation for his skills. Foster soon became a legend after an astonishing season in 1905 where word spread that he had a mind blowing record of 51-4, eventually Foster’s passion and success on the mound moved him to high positions in baseball. In a team known as the Leland Giants in 1907 Foster became their star pitcher and player-manager which helped them win an astonishing 110 games as well as capturing the Chicago City League Title.
Lou Gehrig Henry Louis Gehrig was born on June 19, 1903 in New York City, New York. His parents were Christina and Henrich Gehrig; they were German immigrants. Lou had one wife, named Elenor. Gehrig had died June 2, 1941 in Riverdale, New York City, New York. Lou Gehrig is a hero from the past for almost overcoming ALS and his mark on baseball.
Wrigley Field is a significant landmark in Chicago, being around for over one hundred years (101 yrs.) Not only is it historical in Chicago but it is the second oldest ballpark in the United States. Wrigley Field is currently home to the Chicago Cubs but also holds other events. Such events at Wrigley have been a circus to a rodeo, concerts to a hockey game. Wrigley Field has significant history for Chicago and also is an wonderful tourist attraction.
In 1962 he was given the opportunity to play for the Reds. The next spring, regular season, second baseman Don Blasingame pulled a muscle in his groin and Rose’s name was called. His spot was never taken. During his professional career, he started off going 0-11 from his first eleven at bats. His first hit was a triple versus the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 13, 1963.
Additionally, his insane skill at baseball, and hard work to do the best he could, influenced many other people to work just as hard as he did to become successful. In conclusion, Babe Ruth was not only an extremely talented baseball player, but he was also a great person all around for loving and caring about his
Everyone deserves a right to a fair trial and Pete Rose has not received one. Pete will never be forgotten for what he did on the field and how he played the game. Charlie Hustle without a doubt should be allowed back in baseball activities and in the Hall of Fame. The man deserves to be honored in the greatest way possible and remembered for generations to come. Baseball is arguably the hardest sport to play because of the intense mental focus, skill, and Rose excelled exceptionally throughout his career.