As the Cubs’ Greg Maddux prepares to face San Francisco on Saturday for his second shot at 300 career victories, RedEye reviewed some of the most important milestones in Mad Dog’s career, as well as some key events in other parts of the world.–jimmy greenfield, redeye
Major League debut Sept. 3, 1986
In Maddux news … He took the loss when he gave up an 18th-inning homer to Billy Hatcher in an 8-7 loss to Houston at Wrigley Field. At 20 years, 4 months, Maddux became the youngest pitcher since Rick James to make his debut.
In other news … A Cubs executive on Wrigley Field being granted landmark status: “Without lights we will eventually have to move. Therefore, we have decided to decline landmark status at this time.”
1st win Sept. 7, 1986
In Maddux news … He threw a complete game to beat Cincinnati 11-3 for his first Major League victory in his first career start.
In other news … Mark Prior celebrated his
6th birthday by blowing out all his candles with such force he was questionable for another birthday party later that week.
Cubs’ NL East clincher
Sept. 26, 1989
In Maddux news … He threw 8 1 1/43 innings to beat Montreal 3-2 and clinch the National League East for the Cubs.
In other news … Sox outfielder Sammy Sosa struck out twice in three at-bats to prolong his historic bid for career home run No. 5.
50th win July 18, 1990
In Maddux news … He beat San Diego 4-2 to win for the first time in 13 starts.
In other news … DeSoto Inc. approved the sale of its domestic consumer paint business to Sherwin-Williams Co. for about $80 million. Hey, it was a pretty dull day.
100th win May 31, 1993
In Maddux news … After allowing five hits in a 2-1 complete-game win over San Diego, Maddux told the Tribune: “I’m happy to win 100 games, but my thoughts are on 200.”
In other news … Coors announced a $40 million marketing campaign to promote Zima.
150th win Sept. 27, 1995
In Maddux news … He beat Philadelphia in his final start of the season to improve to 19-2, later winning his fourth straight Cy Young.
In other news … White Sox pitcher Mike Sirotka won his first Major League game, but has yet to win his first Cy Young award.
Won only World Series title
Oct. 28, 1995
In Maddux news … Tom Glavine won the Game 6 clincher after Maddux won the opener. Maddux is 11-14 in 31 postseason games.
In other news … William Bennett was busy launching a campaign to drive the “rot” out of daytime television. Well done, William.
200th win Aug. 18, 1998
In Maddux news … He beat S.F. to improve to 16-6. “I haven’t thought about [300],” Maddux said. “I’ll just get ready for my next game.”
In other news … Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa stayed stuck on 47 homers after a
Cubs victory over the Cardinals at Wrigley.
250th win July 5, 2001
In Maddux news … He lowered his ERA to a league-leading 2.41 in a 9-5 win over Philadelphia. “As soon as I quit, I’ll think about all I’ve accomplished. It’ll sink in at some point. Right now, we’re in a pennant race,” he said.
In other news … President Bush proudly named Robert Mueller to lead the FBI, but wondered publicly why Texas traded Sammy Sosa when he owned the Rangers.
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Edited by Chris Malcolm (ccmalcolm@tribune.com) and Chris Courtney (cdcourtney@tribune.com)
