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 American professional baseball player. He also became a successful businessman. Garry played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a center fielder from 1972 to 1986.
Maddox started his career with the San Francisco Giants. He became famous 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 their community. After baseball, 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 his hometown team, he rooted for their rivals, the San Francisco Giants. His favorite player was Willie Mays. When Garry played Little League Baseball, he wore Mays' number 24. He graduated from San Pedro High School in 1968.
Serving His Country
The San Francisco Giants picked Garry Maddox in the 1968 amateur draft. He signed a contract to play in their minor league system. While playing, he found out other new players received more money. When the team would not pay him equally, Maddox left baseball. He joined the United States Army.
After basic training, he volunteered to serve in Vietnam. He was in the Army from 1968 to 1970. He spent one year in Vietnam. He then received a special release to help his family. His father had become ill, and Garry was needed at home. Because of his time in Vietnam, Maddox's skin became very sensitive. He has worn a full beard ever since to protect his face.
Playing Professional Baseball
Starting with the Giants
After leaving the Army, Maddox returned to baseball. In 1972, he played for the Phoenix Giants. He played so well that he was promoted to the big leagues. On April 25, he joined the San Francisco Giants. He took over as the team's center fielder from his hero, Willie Mays. Mays was traded to the New York Mets soon after.
On May 4, 1975, the Giants traded Maddox to the Philadelphia Phillies. This trade helped the Phillies get a great defensive player. That year, Maddox won his first Gold Glove Award. This award goes to the best defensive player at each position.
Becoming a Phillies Star
Garry Maddox proved his skill by winning a Gold Glove in each of his first eight seasons with the Phillies. A sportswriter nicknamed him the "Secretary of Defense" in 1976. People even made up a famous quote about his amazing fielding: "Two-thirds of the Earth is covered by water, the other one-third by Garry Maddox." This showed how much ground he could cover in the outfield.
In 1976, Maddox had his best year as a hitter. He batted .330 and helped the Phillies win their division. This was the team's first trip to the postseason since 1950. However, the Phillies lost the next three championship series. In 1978, they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In 1980, Maddox helped the Phillies win the NLCS against the Houston Astros. In the 10th inning of the final game, his double scored the winning run. He then caught the last out to send the Phillies to the World Series. The Phillies went on to beat the Kansas City Royals. This was the team's first World Championship ever!
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. This helped the Phillies win their only game of that series.
Maddox continued to win Gold Gloves and steal bases. He was a great hitter for the Phillies until 1985. He retired after playing just six games in 1986. That year, he received the Roberto Clemente Award. This award honors players who show great kindness and help others in their community.
During his career, Maddox played in six postseasons. He won five division titles, two pennants, and one World Series, all with the Phillies. His lifetime batting average was .285. He was not known for hitting many home runs, only 117 in his career. But he hit many doubles and triples. His speed also helped him catch fly balls that other outfielders could not reach. He stole 20 or more bases in nine straight seasons. He finished his career with 248 stolen bases.
After Baseball
After retiring from baseball, Garry Maddox started a company called World Wide Concessions. This company sells promotional products and gifts. By 1995, Maddox became the main owner and CEO of A. Pomerantz & Company. This company sells office furniture in Philadelphia. From 2003 to 2007, Maddox served on the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
Maddox has also worked as a spring training instructor for the Phillies. He was a baseball announcer for Phillies games from 1987 to 1995. His son, Garry Maddox, Jr., also played professional baseball.
Garry Maddox is also a talented 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 amateur chefs compete in different BBQ categories. All the money raised goes to Compete 360. This is a program Maddox founded to help Philadelphia public schools. It teaches students "design thinking" skills.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball career stolen bases leaders
