One of a Kind

The greatest pitcher of my lifetime has decided to hang 'em up. No, not Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, Tom Glavine or any of those also-rans.

Greg Maddux. No doubt in my mind that he is better than the rest of them. His absolute prime (1992-98) is unmatched, including 4 consecutive Cy Young Awards, as the top pitcher in the National League. He is also the recipient of 18 Gold Gloves, ostensibly given to the top fielders at each position.

He is up there in the all-time conversation with Walter Johnson and Sandy Koufax. It's not a question of if he will get into the Hall of Fame, it is a question of will he be the first unanimous selection. Honestly, I don't see how any could not vote for him. The only way someone does not vote for him is the jackass who says "(Player X) was not unanimous, so Maddux should not be unanimous either."

Part of me hopes that John Smoltz and Tom Glavine retire this year as well, so that the Braves Big 3 get inducted in the same year. Then again, I will never forgive John Smoltz for being traded for Doyle Alexander in 1987 (ya, ya, I've harped on this before).

Another reason to love Greg Maddux is this ad. Nike really knew how to churn out some great ads back in the 90s.

And this article, if even 50% true, is simply jaw-dropping.

Goodbye Mad Dog, we are going to miss you.