Joe Maddon

Joseph John Maddon, born February 8, 1954, is an American former professional baseball manager. He managed three teams in Major League Baseball: the Tampa Bay Rays, the Chicago Cubs, and the Los Angeles Angels.

Maddon began his career playing and coaching in the minor leagues before joining the Angels as a coach in 1994. He later became a manager for the Tampa Bay Rays from 2006 to 2014. During this time, he helped them win the 2008 American League pennant.

His biggest success was in 2016 when he led the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series title since 1908. He was named the 2015 National League Manager of the Year and managed the Cubs until 2019. After that, he managed the Los Angeles Angels from 2020 to 2022.

Early life and career

Joe Maddon grew up in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. His father was from Italy, and his mother was from Poland. He went to Lafayette College, where he played baseball and football. Later, he began his baseball career in the minor leagues as a catcher for the California Angels. He played for several teams, such as the Quad Cities Angels, Salinas Angels, and Santa Clara Padres. However, he never moved past Class A. During four seasons, he played in many games but hit only a few home runs.

Coaching/managerial career

California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (1975–2005)

Joe Maddon started his career as a coach after stopping play in 1979. He worked in smaller leagues before joining the main team in 1994. He coached the Angels until 2005 in many roles, like first base coach and bench coach. He sometimes managed the team when other managers were not available. During this time, he helped the team win a World Series in 2002.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays/Rays (2006–2014)

Maddon became the manager of the Tampa Bay Rays in 2006. In the early years, the team had a hard time and did not win many games. But in 2008, Maddon helped the Rays have their first winning season and first trip to the World Series. Even though they did not win, it was a big success for the team. Over the next years, Maddon guided the Rays through good and bad times, winning Manager of the Year awards in 2008 and 2011.

Chicago Cubs (2015–2019)

In 2015, Maddon joined the Chicago Cubs. In 2016, he helped the Cubs win the World Series after waiting over 100 years. His leadership brought excitement and success to the team during his time there.

Return to the Los Angeles Angels (2020–2022)

Maddon returned to the Los Angeles Angels in 2020. He managed the team through the short 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the years after. In 2021, he helped player Shohei Ohtani with both hitting and pitching. But in 2022, after a tough time for the team, Maddon was replaced as manager.

Managerial record

As of the 2022 season

Uniform number

Joe Maddon wore the unusual uniform #70. He liked to wear #20 before, but lost that number when Don Sutton joined the team. He was then given #70 and decided to keep it forever.

Charitable organizations

Joe Maddon started a group called the Respect 90 Foundation. Each year, the group has a golf tournament in his hometown of Hazleton, Pennsylvania. They also hold a charity boxing event in Chicago. The money they raise helps kids living in busy city areas.

In 2017, Joe Maddon and his neighbor Jill Kelley had a special party for veterans who were hurt while serving their country.

Personal life

Joe Maddon has two children from a past marriage. He also has five grandchildren. He married his second wife in 2008.