Cheap Game Used – Greg Maddux

Player’s Name: Greg Maddux

Player’s Nickname: Mad Dog

Player’s Position: P - Starter

Player’s Current Team: San Diego Padres

Price I Paid for the Card: I got this card off of eBay for $1.25.

Set it’s from: 2007 Bowman Sterling

What it’s Worth: Beckett has it listed for $15.00.

Why I like this card: This was actually my first Greg Maddux game used card.  I had been searching for one on eBay to drop for under $2.  I had come close several times, but it always went over my $2.25 limit.  I saw this one by accident while looking at someone’s inventory, it didn’t have the tag game used so it’s view count was low.  I sniped it with 4 seconds left and got it for $1.25.  What really brought me in though was the unique design of the card.  I had never seen a Bowman Sterling game used before and I really think it’s one of the more elegant cards out there.  As far as Maddux goes, the guy is a Hall of Famer, whenever he decides to retire.  He is probably the best pitcher of the 90′s, and when it’s all said and done he might end up as the number 5 all time in wins (14 away from that).

Why it’s a Cheap Hit: I know I might be setting myself up for some serious arguments here, but he may very well be the best pitcher to ever pitch in the game.  I don’t take into account anything before 1910.  Think about it, his fastball tops out in the high 80s.  When that happens to most pitchers, their career is over.  He may be the foremost expert of the strike zone, his pitch placement is amazing even now that he is 42 years old.  He has won 350 games in an era when pitchers aren’t supposed to win more than 250.  He won four straight Cy Young awards, how many times has that been done?  I’ll default on someone to check on that stat.  I think once, by Randy Johnson, but it was after Maddux did it.  I’m curious what other people think about Maddux.

Will if ever be worth more? It should be, but sadly it probably won’t be.  This is one of the sad parts of our hobby, where someone like Joba can have a card like this worth hundreds while Maddux’s is worth $15. Let’s face it Jaba may not even win 100 games let alone 350 (and I’m a Yankee fan).