Hats Off To Greg Maddux
Greg Maddux became the ninth pitcher in big league history to win 350 games, reaching the plateau in his fifth try and leading the San Diego Padres to a 3-2 win over the Colorado Rockies on Saturday night.
With Adrian Gonzalez hitting a three-run homer and the Padres ending a five-game losing streak, Mad Dog held the Rockies to an unearned run - set up by his three-base throwing error - and three hits in six innings. He struck out one and walked none.
Trevor Hoffman pitched the ninth for his sixth save in eight chances, extending his big league career record to 530.
The 42-year-old Maddux (3-3) improved to 350-217 in 23 big league seasons. It’s another milestone to go along with his four NL Cy Young Awards, one World Series championship and a record 17 Gold Glove Awards.
Hoffman usually keeps the final ball from his saves, unless the starting pitcher reaches a milestone.
“Trev gave me the ball. That was cool,” said Maddux, the only active pitcher with 350 wins and the first to reach the mark since Roger Clemens did it last July 22, against Minnesota. “I’ll take any free ball I can get. I’ll give it to my kid. Let him go play with it somewhere.”( the above are clips from an article posted in the Milwaukee Journal )
May 11th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Congrats Mad Dog!! what a shining example of how the game is supposed to be played and how a player is supposed to act. its a privledge to be able to watch such a master, i hope everyone who loves baseball takes time to watch a Padres game when Maddux is pitching…..and make sure your kids watch too. the man is a legend who has conducted himself in a manner that not only is a great reflection of his character, but shows a true respect and love for the game. i wish there were ALOT more like him. again,cudos greg maddux