Chicago Cubs: Five-hundred games in, Joe Maddon has been a franchise changer

As hard as it is to believe, Joe Maddon officially managed his 500th game this week for the Chicago Cubs. What he has been able to do with this team has been nothing short of phenomenal.

In the last eight years, the Chicago Cubs have gone from being one of the worst teams in all of baseball to being a force in it. The impact Joe Maddon has brought to this team has indeed helped them to reach their potential.

The likes of Mike Quade and Dale Sveum still haunt Cubs’ fans dreams, as neither guy found any remote success while managing the boys in blue. Even, for as long as Cubs fans had waited for a World Championship, as well as just a competent manager, the hiring of Joe Maddon seemingly shifted the attitude to one of believing in only success.

In just four seasons with the Cubs, Maddon has a record of 301-201, which includes helping lead the team to three straight National League Championship Series, one pennant, and a World Series championship.

That being said, how did Joe Maddon ultimately find a recipe for success, and how did he bring it with him to the Northside?