Chicago Cubs: Defending Joe Maddon, the best skipper in the game

Joe Maddon is so many things, to include controversial. Recently, Chicago Sun-Times reporter, Rick Morrissey carved up Joe Maddon and his entire Chicago Cubs persona. Is this a justified tirade of the manager that brought home the long-awaited championship to the North Side?

The Chicago Sun-Times (yes they are still in circulation) recently published a real hatchet job on our favorite Chicago Cubs skipper. While Joe Maddon can argue it back with the best of them, I thought I would take this opportunity to defend his honor and write a positive piece for those three or four people who might have read the loathsome tirade.  Without further ado, here are my top 10 reasons the Cubs boast the best manager in the game.

1. Need I say more? Maddon brought home a World Series after a 108-year drought. Whatever happened during the series is history. Maddon was the skipper at the helm all the way to the final ground ball that sealed the deal. You can never take that away from him. We can never thank you enough for finally getting us the championship, Joe.

2. Maddon is a maverick manager; innovative, creative and beyond human reasoning. Like all mavericks, he always attempts the impossible and when it works, he’s a genius magician. When things don’t work out, he’s a loser that should have his “L” pass revoked.

Phil Mickelson suffered the same fate most of his career. He was loved and scorned by his fans for his creative and sometimes devastatingly horrible shots. The one thing all ‘mavericks’ have in common: they aren’t afraid to pull the trigger (make a decision). Thanks for taking chances and not playing it safe Joe; because anyone can see the ‘safe play’ from miles away.

Chicago Cubs: Giving back to more than his team

Joe Maddon is more about giving back than he is about himself. Do you have any clue how much this guy does for charity? I’ve never worked in a celebrity’s office and so I am not privy to what his itinerary must be like but I was a staff member of a General’s office back in the Army and you have no idea what important people endure. They give up their life, their privacy, to do what they love, like coach baseball. 

With a crazy schedule, no privacy and don’t forget the pressure to win from everywhere (fans, corporate, team, personally), Maddon still manages to be one of the most accessible Chicago coaches to charities while drawing many of his celebrity friends to these events. Maybe in turn, he sends some of these celebs the starting lineup daily? Maybe he just does it because they are friends? Sounds like a fun service with a big payoff to charities. Thanks for giving back to those less fortunate, Joe.

8. Maddon knows how to have fun! He is not selfish with his fun. He shares his fun with jerky reporters, the community and most of all, his team. Remember when we were young, before we learned the harsh reality of mortgages, insurances, bills, and intense responsibilities?

We were told one of the Ten Commandments was, “Pick an occupation you love and you will have fun your whole life.” Some of us have been fortunate enough to experience that and Maddon is a prime example. I think as he gets older, he’s appreciating his role more.  His fun extends to letting his first baseman pitch, buying beer for reporters during pressers,  huge celebrations after wins, upgraded “party” facilities and more. Thanks for showing us how to have fun and not be too serious Joe.

Chicago Cubs: Embrace the target, boys

9. Maddon knows how to be a celebrity. From dressing up, handling the press, the pressure, the schedule, the charity events and the glamour, Maddon owns his celebrity. While he has no financial obligation to do so, he is training those young ballplayers to know their own celebrity and use it to help others and their team. Thanks for bringing the celebrity shine back to Wrigley Field Joe.

And last, above all else, Maddon knows how to win. With a 60-43 record (good for a .583 winning percentage) so far this season and a lifetime 1133-965-1 record, Maddon’s numbers speak for themselves. I think everyone would agree and most likely Maddon more than others, that there is so much more to this game and being part of it, than just wins and losses.

I have one of those motivational posters in my office that is supposed to make me feel “different” after reading it or thinking about it.  The poster reads, “Make EVERY day – your masterpiece”. I believe that is how Joe is going about his career these days. It’s about more than just a win; it’s about making your day, life, career a masterpiece. Thanks for bringing that winning spirit back to Chicago Joe; in the game, off the field and in our lives.