Cubs Manager Joe Maddon Wore Same, Unwashed Socks During 9-Game Winning Streak

When things are going well, players stick to what is working.

Apparently managers do the same.

The Chicago Cubs entered Sunday's game against the Chicago White Sox having won 15 of their previous 16 games, including nine in a row. Perhaps the reason behind the streak was the fact that Cubs manager Joe Maddon wore the same—unwashed—socks in each of the nine wins. 

“I’ve worn the same pair of socks for many days, to and from the ballpark,” Maddon said, per Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times. "Camo."

Some may get a little grossed out by the Cubs skipper going more than a week without washing his socks, especially during August. However, the socks apparently held up OK throughout the streak.

“They actually absorb sweat really well,” Maddon said, per Wittenmyer. “So it’s not awful.”

Besides, it's only gross if it doesn't lead to wins.

Superstitions are a big part of baseball. Whether it's doing the same routines, wearing the same clothing or not talking to a pitcher during a no-hit bid, baseball players take their good-luck quirks pretty seriously. However, channeling his inner Michael Scott, Maddon admitted he's not really a superstitious person.

“I’m just a little-stitious,” the 61-year-old manager said, per Wittenmyer.

Unfortunately for the Cubs, they had to face White Sox ace Chris Sale on Sunday. A 3-1 loss snapped their nine-game winning streak. While he doesn't like to see the streak come to an end, Maddon can now wash his socks without having to worry about possibly jinxing his team.

[Chicago Sun-Times]