VIDEO: Honoring the 22-Year Anniversary of Greg Maddux's Absurd 76-Pitch Complete Game
By Parker White
As the years go by, the only games we remember are historical ones in the classic sense, whether it be a perfect game or no-hitter. However, 22 years ago to the day, Atlanta Braves ace Greg Maddux pitched a masterful game against his former club, tossing a 76-pitch complete game.
Yes, it only took Maddux 76 pitches to take care of this Chicago Cubs lineup, and only 13 of his pitches went out of the strike zone. Maddux tallied six strikeouts and didn't walk a single batter.
Not only did he not issue a free pass, Maddux didn't get into a single three-ball count all day and only got to two balls twice.
7-22-1997: Atlanta Braves Pitcher Greg Maddux throws a complete game with just 76 pitches, the 7th fewest ever in MLB history. Maddux finished with no walks and only twice had two balls to a given hitter. #sports #history #MLB #baseball #boogsports pic.twitter.com/KxEXOsQCRv
— Boog Sports (@BoogSports) July 22, 2019
We talk about how long games are today, but Maddux's complete game only lasted two hours and seven minutes. That's less than most basketball games.
This is the kind of game that exemplifies Maddux's Hall of Fame career. He didn't necessarily have high velocity, but he knew how to mix all of his pitches. He was a surgeon on the mound that day, carving up an impressive Cubs lineup.