Greg Maddux has proven to be one of the most effective pitchers in baseball history.  In his nearly 22 year career, Maddux made 8 All-Star appearances, won 18 Gold Glove Awards, 4 NL Cy Young Awards and one World Series Championship.  In 2005, Maddux’s numerous awards were matched with an elite strikeout accomplishment.

On this day, July 26th, in 2005, Greg Maddux earned his 3,000th career strike out against Omar Vizquel.  Maddux became the 13th Major League pitcher to join the 3000 strikeout club and only the ninth to do so with 300 wins.  Only four other pitchers in history were able to reach 3,000 strikeouts while also staying under 1,000 walks.

Greg Maddux ended his career with 3,371 strikeouts and 355 wins.  His jersey is retired by the Chicago Cubs and the Atlanta Braves.