Skip to main content

Ptiching in Front of The Privelaged



At the conclusion of the 2008 baseball season, two of the greatest pitchers of this generation have decided to retire, Greg Maddux and Mike Mussina.

For most of the last three decades, both men have performed above all else, rising to the top of the league's best, despite pitching during what has now become known as the "steroid era." Chicks might dig the long ball, but these two had more substance than substances to win over baseball purists as well as the casual fan.

We were very much privelaged to witness the careers of two greats.

Mussina, better know as "Moose", began his career with the Baltimore Orioles and spent nine years with them after rapidly blazing through Stanford University and rising through the minors.

After his stint with the Orioles, Moose later joined the Yankees we all had the opportunity to watch him flourish from his prime years into an elder that reinvented himself to finally achieve winning twenty games in his final season. Moose has always been a pleasure to watch pitch. Although it seems his 270 wins, 2,813 strikeouts, and career 3.68 earned run average is more than good enough to enter the Hall of Fame, Moose seems to have many doubters and critics due to his "almost-like" career. From almost winning a World Series to almost winning a CY Young Award, critics always labeled Mussina as never being able to get over the hump.

Nevertheless, memories of Moose's almost (theres that word again) perfect game at Fenway in 2001; Game 3 of the ALDS in Oakland which his performance was overshadowed by Derek Jeter's "Flip Play"; and his work in relief for the first time ever in his entire life, holding the Red Sox and sparking a come back for the Yankees in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, will all never be forgotten. It was an honor to watch Mussina as a Yankee, and a privelage to learn about his knowledge on pitching in John Feinstein's, "Living on The Black."

Mike Mussina
* 270-153 Win-Loss Record.
* 2,813 Strikeouts.
* 3.68 ERA
* Five Time All-Star. ('92,'93,'94,'97,'99)
* Seven-time Gold Glove Award Winner. ('96,'97,'98,'99,'01,'03,'08)


And then there is Greg Maddux. The prototypical definition of the position pitcher. Maddux, who will probably be now known as the greatest pitcher of the modern, post-dead ball era, rightfully deserves the accolades, compiling a resume that will never be matched again.

Maddux, a pitcher that epitomized control over velocity, baffled hitters, fielded his position with the best of them, and won many, many big games, is a package that is rare, and a privilege to have witness in my lifetime. With his knowledge, Maddux will make a great baseball mind that can help others play the great game of baseball.

Greg Maddux
* 355-227 Win-Loss Record.
* 3.16 ERA
* 3,371 Strikeouts
* Eight-Time All-Star ('88,'92,'94,'95,'96,'97,'98,'00)
* Eighteen-Time Gold Glove Award Winner('90,'91,'92,'93,'94,'95,'96,'97,'98,'99,'00,'01,'02,'04,'05,'06,'07,'08)
* Four Time CY Young Award Winner ('92,'93,'94,'95)


Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?

Knicks Trauma - Ugh Not Again

Well, that was a kick in the stomach.  Coming off a week where the word "catharsis" was used as the description for the euphoria and release of joy from two and a half decades of suffering, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers brought about another word - trauma.  Watching the Knicks collapse was the kind of moments that come with these deep runs and moments. NBA Playoff basketball will do that. Yet, this loss - this one - feels about as bad as the 2004 ALCS when the Yankees collapsed in the series to the Boston Red Sox.  That one carries some serious trauma. Luckily, the series isn't over.  Some other quick thoughts from this awful, awful night, New York Knicks Basketball.  - Not to conjure up hyperbole, or even contribute to "hot take" sports reaction culture - but this might have been the worst loss in Knicks franchise history. I cannot think of another in my lifetime, or historically.  - Tyrese Haliburton's "choke"...

Knicks Back in ECF Causing Catharsis

I've certainly shared my emotions and thoughts regarding the New York Knicks on this site over the years. There have been plenty of those to sort through - most of them are rants. Tonight, the New York Knicks ultimately destroyed the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, 119-81. I sat on my couch, afraid to allow myself to feel joy until that final buzzer. As a Knicks fan, I've been through too much to allow myself to do anything else, to make any assumption, until it was final. Until it was confirmed. Until something couldn't fall through...the way we're used to.  Once it was final, it was unreal.  The New York Knicks are in the Eastern Conference Finals. For the first time since 2000.  I was 15 years old the last time that happened. And that was a run with a squad that I consider (still) to be my favorite Knicks team of all-time.  I sat on my couch with all sorts of feelings. My wife was likely trying to understand the moment. My son, exci...