During his brief 1986 call-up, Maddux defeated his older brother, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Mike Maddux, marking the first time rookie brothers had ever pitched against each other. In 1987, his first full season in the Majors, Maddux finished with a disappointing 6-14 record and 5.61 earned run average. In 1988, Maddux surprised the league by finishing 18-8 with a 3.18 ERA. This began a streak of 16 straight seasons in which Maddux recorded 15 or more wins. He accomplished that feat on September 21, 2003, when he defeated the Florida Marlins. Maddux broke the previous record held by Cy Young, who notched 15 straight seasons with 15 or more wins from 1891 to 1905.
Maddux is a right-handed pitcher known for his pinpoint accuracy and his ability to psyche out hitters. Sports Illustrated did an article on him in 2000 or so saying he is probably one of the greatest pitchers that has ever lived. Maddux's best season was arguably in 1995 when he finished 19-2 with an incredible 1.63 ERA. Maddux has a career ERA of under 3.00.
Maddux is also known for his ability to field his position well. On November 14, 2002, he won his 13th straight Gold Glove award. Maddux also won four straight Cy Young Awards from 1992 to 1995.
Maddux was born in San Angelo, Texas. In 2003, he earned a salary of $14,750,000.
His nicknames include "The Mad Dog" and "The Professor".