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

#2: Maddon-ing results

It has only been three seasons, but there is no doubting Joe Maddon deserves to be in the top two. Already, he ranks 11th in team history in wins, third in winning percentage and first in average division ranking. And, three consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 1967-70.

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Additionally, he is the only manager to take the team to three-straight NLCS appearances. No manager in Chicago Cubs’ history has done more in such a short period of time.

But, it is not just the wins. Not by a long shot. It is the mentality of the team synthesized by Maddon and President of Baseball Operations, Theo Epstein, making the reign important.

For over a century, the “Lovable Loser” could not get over the hump. The idea of the team being curse grew and grew into a troubling truth, befuddling the team for decades.

But, the ways of Maddon changed everything. Maybe it is just the way Chicago needs to be? It was the zen of Phil Jackson that led Michael Jordan and the Bulls to six championships. Could it be teams in the Windy City require a coach that is different than the rest?

There is still more to be done in Chicago under Maddon. The taste of victory was followed by a less sweet season. Regardless, Maddon has elevated the Cubs from losers to winners.