God, I remember the day he pitched his first complete game. I think it was against the Giants. We were all so young then. I never could believe he actually signed with Atlanta, of all teams. He must smell World Series.
Coming Full Circle, Maddux Returns to Cubs
MESA, Ariz. (AP) – Welcome home, Greg Maddux.
You’ll find Wrigley Field much as you left it, the wind blowing in and the ivy covering the walls. The Chicago Cubs are still playing most of their home games in the afternoons, and the bleachers remain the hottest ticket in town. As for Cubs fans, they’re passionate and loyal, and boy, are they thrilled to have you back.
Maddux brought his career full circle Tuesday night when he decided to sign with the Cubs, the team that gave him his start in the majors. No official announcement was made, but a source close to the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity told The Associated Press that Maddux agreed to a $24 million deal that could go as long as three years.
The third year of the deal will be guaranteed if Maddux reaches certain criteria, including pitching a preset number of innings in 2005.
The deal is pending a physical, but the 37-year-old Maddux could be at camp as early as Wednesday, when Cubs pitchers and catchers report. Maddux, who spent the last 11 years with the Atlanta Braves, was the last major free agent to agree to a deal.