Chicago Cubs: Where does Joe Maddon rank amongst team’s skippers all-time?

#4: Sweet Lou

With 319 wins and 293 losses, and countless base throws and dirt-covered plates, Lou Piniella ranks fourth on our list. His 609 games managed is eighth-best in team history. And, he was the first manager to appear in back-to-back playoffs since 1908. Those appearance did not end well.

Still, finishing with their best record since 1984 is impressive. The team finished with an average division rank of 2.1 during Piniella’s tenure. Of course, one of his most well-known moments occurred on June 2, 2007. It was a tirade for the ages – unlike anything we have witnessed since.

The Cubs struggled in 2006, which resulted in the firing of Dusty Baker. The roster changed and Pinella was brought in to manage. But the Cubs still struggled. Until….

Coming into this moment, the Cubs were 22-31. After? 63-46.

And they won the National League Central crown over the Milwaukee Brewers.