Apr 07 2009
Braves to retire Maddux’s number July 17
When the New York Mets come to Atlanta on July 17 they will see a familiar foe. Greg Maddux will be back in Atlanta as the Braves retire his familiar number 31.
Maddux spent 11 seasons in Atlanta, picking up 3 Cy Youngs, a World Series ring, and 10 Gold Gloves. Let us not forget the Braves 11 post season appearances during his time with the club.
Armed with pinpoint control, a nifty change up, and a competitive nature Maddux joined a rotation of Tom Glavine and John Smoltz that became synonymous with winning.
While making 363 starts for the Braves, Maddux went 194-88 with a 2.63 ERA, 61 complete games and a .688 winning percentage. During that 10-season span, he notched three more wins and completed 116 more innings (Glavine ranked second) than any other Major League pitcher.
While Glavine and Smoltz will try to continue their careers this season Maddux hung up the cleats after 23 seasons and 355 career wins.