One of the most talented players ever to grace the sport of baseball has retired after twenty-three seasons in the game. Greg Maddux leaves the game in eighth position on Major League Baseball’s win list after successful spells with clubs including the Chicago Cubs, LA Dodgers, and the San Diego Padres.

One of the best pitchers to play in the sport, Maddux, who won the World Series with the Braves in the mid-1990s, can boast more wins than any other living player in his position.

The pitcher is forty-two years of age and, after focusing upon his game for so long, the decision to walk away was undoubtedly a tough one. He admitted as much but also revealed that it felt like time to turn in a new direction.

Maddux revealed that he appreciates “everything the game has given” him but he is excited about being able to spend more quality time with his family. Like many sports stars, part of Maddux’s decision to quit was based upon a slight slip in form.

Although he believes that he could still play the game, he believes that he could not perform to his best at his age. Maddux therefore made the decision which many have made before him. If perfection in a sport cannot be attained, then it is better to quit whilst you are ahead.

During his career, he managed to win a total of eighteen Gold Glove awards and also won the Cy Young award for four years running between 1992 and 1995.

The recent announcement from Maddux came as no surprise to his team mates, who had apparently known of his decision prior to the start of the season. However, the pitcher, in typical style, chose not to make a fuss, preferring instead to enjoy his last appearances in the game.