Atlanta Braves To Retire No. 31 and Honor Greg Maddux

In a ceremony prior to Friday's Braves and Mets game at Turner Field, Atlanta will be retiring Maddux's No. 31 Braves uniform.

Over the last few days, topics such as Jeff Francoeur's return to Atlanta and the Trade Deadline have captured the attention of Braves' fans. We should, however, stop for a few moments and remember the man who meant so much to Atlanta's playoff run of the '90s.

In the 11 seasons that Greg Maddux wore No. 31 in Atlanta, both he and the team experienced great success. Atlanta won 10 of their 14 division titles and their only World Series while Maddux anchored the rotation.

All Maddux did during these 11 seasons was compile a record of 194-88 with a 2.63 ERA and throw 61 complete games. He also won three Cy Young Awards and twice finished the season with an ERA under 1.80.

Not to shabby for a guy who rarely got a fastball over 90 MPH.

Maddux, a definitive first ballot Hall of Famer, anchored a rotation during that time that many consider to be one of the best in baseball history.

Featuring Tom Glavine and John Smoltz as well, the trio captured seven Cy Young Awards in eight seasons.

During those seasons, Maddux had a great influence on the entire Braves pitching staff. While they were already a good pitching staff, it was Maddux who put them over the top.

Tomorrow night, Greg Maddux will become the sixth Brave to have his number retired. He joins legends Hank Aaron, Warren Spahn, Dale Murphy, Eddie Matthews and Phil Niekro.

It is one of the first of many honors that Greg Maddux is sure to receive as he continues his journey to Cooperstown in 2014.