Flashback #5: Greg Maddux Leaves The Cubs (1992)

As of 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary on January 3rd, the station has begun to reveal (in chronological order) the Top 100 Chicago Sports Stories that have occurred since they first went on the air 20 years ago. Once all 100 of these "flashbacks" have been revealed, fans will be able to vote for which stories they believe are the most significant in the 20 year history of The Score. To see all of the Flashbacks that The Score has posted so far, please visit 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary page.

December 12, 1992 - Greg Maddux leaves the Cubs

After the 1992 season, Greg Maddux was unquestionably the best pitcher in baseball.

He was an All-Star, Gold Glove winner and had just won his first of four-straight Cy Young Awards after compiling a 20-11 record on a 2.18 ERA, with 70 walks to 199 strikeouts.

Maddux was just 26 years old and appeared to be the Cubs' ace of the future -- that is until free agency came.

The Cubs drafted Maddux in the second round of the 1984 amateur draft and that's where he had spent his first seven seasons, compiling a record of 95-75 with a 3.34 ERA over 212 games.

When the 1992 season ended, however, it was time for Cubs GM Chicago Larry Himes and Maddux's agent Scott Boras to begin negotiating. Both sides accused the other of failing to negotiate in good faith, and talks quickly fell apart.

Maddux later signed a five-year, $28 million deal with the Braves where he went on to win three Cy Young Awards and a World Series.

The Score will continue to release a new Flashback each weekday until they reach 100. Check back tomorrow for a new one, or check out all of the previous Flashbacks: 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary »