Greg Maddux
The Professor: A control pitcher who won four straight Cy Young Awards and led the Braves to a 1995 World Series title.
Greg Maddux, known as "Mad Dog" and "the Professor," joined the Atlanta Braves in 1993 for what would become an eleven-year tenure. During this period, he secured four consecutive Cy Young Awards (1992–1995), a feat matched only by Randy Johnson. In those specific seasons, Maddux compiled a 75–29 win–loss record with a 1.98 earned run average (ERA) while allowing fewer than one baserunner per inning. He led the National League in wins three times between 1993 and 1995 and finished fifth in MVP voting in 1994. Maddux was instrumental in leading the Braves to their first World Series championship in 1995 over the Cleveland Indians, winning a game in each of the team's three postseason series that year. His dominance included posting the second-lowest ERA since Bob Gibson's 1968 mark during the strike-shortened 1994 season.
- Notable Record
- One of only two pitchers in modern history to win four consecutive Cy Young Awar
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Maddux arrived in Atlanta on April 5, 1993, beating his former Chicago Cubs teammates 1–0 in his debut. He immediately established dominance, finishing that season with a 20–10 record and leading the National League with a 2.36 ERA to win his second straight Cy Young Award. The Braves' rotation featured Maddux alongside Tom Glavine (22 wins), Steve Avery (18 wins), and John Smoltz (15 wins). In 1994, despite the strike-shortened season, Maddux posted a remarkable 1.56 ERA, the lowest in the majors since Dwight Gooden's 1.53 in 1985. He led the league with 16 wins and 202 innings pitched that year. His control was so precise that from June to July 1995, he threw 51 consecutive innings without issuing a single walk. That same May 28, 1995, he lost a no-hitter on an eighth-inning home run by Jeff Bagwell, the only nine-inning one-hitter of his career.
In Their Own Story
In Game One of the 1995 World Series against the Cleveland Indians, Maddux delivered a masterclass in efficiency. Pitching to Orel Hershiser, he threw nine innings allowing just two hits, no walks, and no earned runs. Although he took the loss in Game Five, his performance helped secure Atlanta's first World Series title two days later. Earlier that season, on May 28 against the Astros, Maddux had nearly thrown a perfect game until Jeff Bagwell hit an eighth-inning home run to end it; it remained the only nine-inning one-hitter of his career. His mental approach was equally distinct. After Will Clark read Maddux's lips regarding a "Fastball, high, inside" during the 1989 NLCS, Maddux adopted the habit of covering his mouth with his glove during mound conversations to prevent opponents from deciphering his strategy.
Reader's Guide
Greg Maddux played for the Atlanta Braves from 1993 through 2003. His tenure was defined by unprecedented consistency; he is the only pitcher in MLB history to win at least 15 games for 17 straight seasons, a streak that spanned his time in both Chicago and Atlanta. During his four consecutive Cy Young-winning years (1992–1995), he held an ERA of 1.98 while allowing fewer than one baserunner per inning. In 1994, he became the first pitcher since Walter Johnson to post back-to-back ERAs under 1.80. Maddux holds the record for most Gold Gloves by any player with 18 and is 8th on the all-time career wins list with 355. He is one of only ten pitchers to achieve both 300 wins and 3,000 strikeouts, and uniquely holds more than 300 wins, more than 3,000 strikeouts, and fewer than 1,000 walks (exactly 999).
Did You Know?
- Maddux holds the record for most times throwing a complete game shutout in fewer than 100 pitches (13) since pitch counts began tracking in 1988.
- In 1995, Maddux was part of the only five pitchers since 1920 to post full-season ERAs under 1.65, doing so twice.
- During his 17 consecutive seasons with at least 15 wins, he recorded a 39-putout season record tied three times (1990, 1991, 1993).
- Maddux is the only pitcher in MLB history to have more than 300 wins, more than 3,000 strikeouts, and fewer than 1,000 walks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Greg Maddux during his time with the Braves?
He was a Hall of Fame right-handed pitcher known for his incredible control and strategic approach to the mound. His tenure in Atlanta cemented his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers ever.
What made Greg Maddux's pitching style unique?
Nicknamed "The Professor," he relied on precision and location rather than raw velocity to dominate hitters. He treated every game like a chess match, constantly adjusting his strategy to confuse batters.
Did Greg Maddux win any major awards with Atlanta?
He secured three of four consecutive Cy Young Awards during his time in Atlanta, completing the streak after starting it in Chicago. This record highlights his unmatched consistency across two different franchises.
How did Greg Maddux contribute to team success?
He anchored a rotation that helped the Atlanta Braves win the National League pennant and the World Series in 1995. His leadership on the mound was crucial during their championship run.
What is Greg Maddux's lasting legacy in baseball history?
He transformed pitching by proving that control could be more effective than overpowering speed. Today, he remains a benchmark for excellence and intelligence within the sport.
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