Greg Maddux is undoubtedly one of the greatest pitchers of all time. Maddux sported the Braves jersey for a large part of his career, pitching from the mound at Truist Park. And to many fans’ surprise, Maddux has recently revealed that it almost wasn’t so. Speaking on a podcast, Maddux revealed that he almost took the pinstripes in 1992.

Greg Maddux was faced with an interesting choice in 1992 when he ran down his contract with the Chicago Cubs. In one of the most consequential free agency decisions of the 90s, Maddux swapped the Wrigley Field for Truist Park. However, Maddux has revealed that the true story may have a few more details. The New York Yankees were a part of the equation too and only missed out on signing him for a complete freak reason.

Greg Maddux almost signed for the New York Yankees

David Cone got straight to the point, asking Maddux directly how close he was to signing with the Yankees in 1992. Maddux was quick to respond. “I was there,” he said.

Detailing different things about his visit to the city, Maddux added, “I was shocked I didn’t get offered a contract. It’s not college. I didn’t go there just for a recruiting trip. You kind of go there to sign a contract and everything.” 

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Maddux spoke about how he spent the day in the city, enjoying a show and some dinner before leaving, eventually. The Yankees’ front office told him that they would be in touch with the contract. However, none ever came through.

What Does the Term ‘Maddux’ Mean in Baseball?

The reason that stopped the signing

Admitting to knowing the story only in bits and pieces, Maddux revealed what he has heard over the years. Revealing details he hadn’t spoken about before, Maddux made some revelations. Apparently, one of the higher-ups at the Yankees front office had had a heart attack, and that was the reason they hadn’t circulated the contract.

“Whoever was calling the shots at the time…..apparently had a heart attack, so I didn’t have a contract offer,” said Maddux.

Maddux then took the flight back home and had the Atlanta Braves contact him about an offer to play for them. Maddux already had intentions of playing for the Braves and signed with them instead of the Yankees. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Reportedly, Maddux had also previously alluded to the fact that he intended on staying in the National League and it wasn’t just about the money to him. In a 2014 interview, Maddux had said, “The fact was, I wanted to stay in the National League and I wanted to go with a team that had a chance to win.”

Maddux certainly made history with his pitching with the Braves and went on to set multiple records. But surely, the Bronx will have had a few sleepless nights over the one that wasn’t.