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 started 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, leading them to win the 2008 American League pennant.

His most famous achievement came in 2016 when he guided 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 came from Italy, and his mother was from Poland. He went to Lafayette College, where he played both baseball and football. Later, he started his baseball career playing in the minor leagues as a catcher for the California Angels. Although he played for several teams, including the Quad Cities Angels, Salinas Angels, and Santa Clara Padres, he never moved up past Class A. Over 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 began his career as a coach after deciding to stop playing baseball in 1979. He worked in the minor leagues as a manager and instructor before joining the main team in 1994. He coached for the Angels until 2005, holding several roles including first base coach and bench coach. He even stepped in as manager three times when other managers were unavailable. 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 his early years, the team faced many challenges and did not win many games. However, in 2008, Maddon led the Rays to their first winning season and their first trip to the World Series. Although they did not win, it was a big achievement for the team. Over the next few years, Maddon continued to guide the Rays through ups and downs, earning Manager of the Year awards in 2008 and 2011.

Chicago Cubs (2015–2019)

In 2015, Maddon joined the Chicago Cubs. In 2016, he helped end the Cubs' long wait for a World Series title, which had lasted 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 challenging 2020 season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic and the following seasons. In 2021, he supported player Shohei Ohtani in both hitting and pitching. However, in 2022, after a difficult stretch 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 so no one could take it away from him.

Charitable organizations

Joe Maddon started a group called the Respect 90 Foundation. Every year, this group holds a golf tournament in his hometown of Hazleton, Pennsylvania. They also organize 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 held a special party for veterans who were hurt while serving their country.

Personal life

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