Garry Maddox facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Garry Maddox |
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Maddox in 2018
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| Center fielder | |||||||||||||
| Born: September 1, 1949 Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
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| debut | |||||||||||||
| April 25, 1972, for the San Francisco Giants | |||||||||||||
| Last appearance | |||||||||||||
| April 20, 1986, for the Philadelphia Phillies | |||||||||||||
| MLB statistics | |||||||||||||
| Batting average | .285 | ||||||||||||
| Home runs | 117 | ||||||||||||
| Runs batted in | 754 | ||||||||||||
| Teams | |||||||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||
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Garry Lee Maddox (born September 1, 1949) is a former professional baseball player from the United States. He was a center fielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1972 to 1986.
Maddox started his career with the San Francisco Giants. He became famous while playing for the Philadelphia Phillies. There, his amazing defensive skills earned him eight Gold Glove Awards in a row. He was also a key player on the team that won the 1980 World Series.
In 1986, Maddox received the Roberto Clemente Award. This award honors players who do great work for charities. After his baseball career, he became a successful businessman in Philadelphia. He also continued his charity work. In 2001, Maddox was honored on the Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame.
Contents
Early Life and Baseball Dreams
Garry Maddox grew up in Los Angeles, California. Even though the Los Angeles Dodgers were nearby, he cheered for their rivals, the San Francisco Giants. His favorite player was Willie Mays. When Garry played Little League Baseball, he even wore Mays' number 24. He graduated from San Pedro High School in 1968.
Military Service
The San Francisco Giants picked Maddox in the 1968 baseball draft. He signed a contract to play in their minor league teams. While playing, he found out other new players got more money than him. When the team would not pay him more, Maddox left and joined the United States Army.
He served in the Army from 1968 to 1970. This included one year in Vietnam. He left the army early to help his family after his father became ill.
Professional Baseball Career
Playing for the San Francisco Giants
After leaving the army, Maddox returned to baseball. In 1972, he played very well for the Phoenix Giants. On April 25, he was called up to play for the San Francisco Giants. He took over as the Giants' center fielder after Willie Mays was traded.
On May 4, 1975, the Giants traded Maddox to the Philadelphia Phillies. That year, he won his first Gold Glove Award. This award goes to the best defensive player at each position in the National League.
Becoming a Phillies Star
Maddox proved his skill by winning a Gold Glove in each of his first eight seasons with the Phillies. A sportswriter called him the "Secretary of Defense" in 1976. People even made a famous saying about his amazing fielding: "Two-thirds of the Earth is covered by water, the other one-third by Garry Maddox."
In 1976, Maddox had his best year hitting, with a .330 batting average. He helped the Phillies win their division. This was their first time in the postseason since 1950. However, the team lost the next three National League Championship Series. In 1978, against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Maddox made a key play that allowed the Dodgers to score the winning run in a close game.
In 1980, Maddox made two huge plays in the final game of the NLCS against the Houston Astros. His double scored the winning run for the Phillies. Then, he caught the final out to send the Phillies to the 1980 World Series. The Phillies then beat the Kansas City Royals to win their first World Championship!
In 1983, the Phillies reached the World Series again. They lost to the Baltimore Orioles. But in Game 1, Maddox hit a solo home run that helped the Phillies win their only game of the series.
Maddox continued to win Gold Gloves and steal bases for the Phillies. He retired after playing six games in 1986. That year, he received the Roberto Clemente Award. This award recognizes players who show great kindness and help their communities.
During his career, Maddox played in six postseasons. He won five division titles, two league championships, and one World Series, all with the Phillies. His lifetime batting average was .285. He was known more for his speed and defense than for hitting home runs. He hit 117 home runs in his career. His speed also helped him steal 20 or more bases in nine straight seasons. He had 248 stolen bases in total.
After Baseball
After retiring from baseball, Garry Maddox started a company called World Wide Concessions. This company makes special gifts and packaging for businesses. By 1995, Maddox became the main owner and CEO of A. Pomerantz & Company, an office furniture company in Philadelphia. He also served on the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia for four years, starting in 2003.
Maddox has also worked as a coach for the Phillies during spring training. He was a TV commentator for Phillies games from 1987 to 1995. His son, Garry Maddox, Jr., also played professional baseball.
Garry Maddox is also a great BBQ chef! For many years, he has hosted the Garry Maddox Barbecue Challenge. This is a yearly event held outside Citizens Bank Park before a Phillies game. Local restaurants and chefs compete, and all the money raised helps Compete 360. This program, founded by Maddox, teaches design thinking to students in Philadelphia public schools.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball career stolen bases leaders
