I love Greg Maddux stories and maybe one day I’ll power rank my favorites. But for now I just want to share another classic making the rounds on social media about the time he got Luis Gonzalez to pop out to 3rd exactly as he predicted.
The other one that’s been really popping off lately is the time he intentionally gave up a HR to Jeff Bagwell.
They’re equally unbelievable but I think the popout story is more impressive because you’re generating weak contact.
Any one of us could go out there and serve up a missile to Bagwell in his prime.
But to jam Luis Gonzalez on 2 pitches after explaining exactly that to Leo Mazzone takes a special talent. So special that it’s considered one of the best of all time.
Makes me wonder if we have a modern thinker in the game like this and the answer is a resounding No.
In fact it’s not even worth considering more than that resounding No because that’s offensive to Greg Maddux.
So instead, here’s some of the most prepared guys in the league. Not necessarily active but just my understanding of the guys that go above and beyond in preparing like Greg Maddux
- Clayton Kershaw – maybe the biggest psychopath of his generation in MLB starting rotations. He’s always working his mechanics and leg drive. He does an incalculable amount of dry towel drills and is always feeling his extension
- Adam Wainwright – kind of a huge weiner but someone who took the position so seriously every start. And even though he doesn’t really change his strategy too much for anyone. He never took the mound without knowing more about a lineup than anyone else on the field
- Greinke – He’s a serial killer in preparing for starts. He watches more tape and takes more notes than anyone in any clubhouse. Notoriously neurotic and always watching everyone else at all times
- Roger Clemens – He used to run 10-12 miles a day in Toronto and that still blows my mind. Even on days he pitched. He was obsessed with clearing the lactic acid from his body. Obviously this is easier when you’re on steroids but the commitment is the most impressive part. Every day you’re lacing up for a half marathon and he never slowed down.
- Wade Boggs – ate a whole chicken before each game
- Dansby Swanson – He prepares his own scouting report that he uses to shift the defense as he sees fit. This was a responsibility the Braves gave him his 2nd season and it’s extremely unique. He’s the closest thing to a player manager since Yadier.
- Joey Votto & Albert Pujols – they remember every pitch from every count and at bat in their careers. Every reliever and all that stuff is categorized perfectly in their brains.
I know I’m missing a bunch so don’t be bashful chiming in with your own weirdos.
And ultimately that just demonstrates my original point that there’s no Greg Maddux right now, it’s not even close, and we’re never going to see him again. Easily the coolest baseball player of my lifetime.