One of the most accomplished pitchers in Major League Baseball history is joining the UNLV baseball program as a volunteer assistant coach. Hall of Famer Greg Maddux, who pitched 23 seasons in the Major Leagues with four different organizations, will join the Rebels beginning in the fall of 2016 with a focus on the pitching staff.
Maddux retired from baseball in 2008 after playing for the Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014 after a career that saw him become the first hurler to win four consecutive Cy Young Awards (1992-95). Additionally, he was an 18-time Gold Glove Award winner and earned eight trips to the All-Star Game during his illustrious career.
"To add arguably the smartest player to ever step foot on a baseball field to our staff is so exciting for our student-athletes and the program," stated Stolte. "After meeting with Greg, you are so impressed with him not only with his knowledge of the game, but how grounded he has remained and his genuine desire to share his knowledge with up-and-coming players. He may be the most respected teammate in the game past or present, which is the ultimate compliment as a player. We look forward to his immediate impact once we begin our fall season."
The Valley High School graduate was drafted by the Cubs in the second round of the 1984 MLB Draft and made his debut with the North Siders two years later on Sept. 2, 1986. During his career he won 355 games and struck out 3,371 batters, which rank eighth and 10th overall in MLB history. He is the only pitcher in to record 300-plus wins, 3,000-plus strikeouts and fewer than 1,000 walks.
After retiring from the mound, Maddux moved into front office positions with the Cubs, Texas Rangers and Dodgers. Earlier this year, he accepted a role with the Dodgers as a special assistant to president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman.
