How They Match Up: Maddux vs. Top Hitters

Greg Maddux has made a habit of handling hitters and even breaking their bats, as he did to five Cleveland Indians in Game 1 of the World Series.

A few hitters, however, have had their way with Maddux since he made his major league debut in 1986. No surprise, six-time NL batting champion Tony Gwynn is among the best against the four-time Cy Young winner.

Gwynn is a .431 career hitter (25-for-58) against the Atlanta ace. He’s also drawn eight walks and what’s more, is the only active batter who’s faced Maddux more than a dozen times without ever striking out.

Not that Gwynn enjoys facing him.

“You never feel like you’re getting in a real good swing, a swing you’re happy with, a swing with follow-through,” the San Diego star said.

Maddux returns the compliment.

“He gets more of the bat on the ball on some pitches than anyone else,” Maddux said.

Eric Karros, though, hasn’t been so fortunate. The Los Angeles slugger is 0-for-17 lifetime against Maddux.

How other hitters have done in the regular season with Maddux, according to STATS, Inc.:

* Barry Bonds has hit six home runs, the most against Maddux. Bonds is batting .313 (25-for-80) with 13 walks and 13 strikeouts. Those 13 walks are the most anyone has drawn.

* Andres Galarraga (61 at-bats) and Howard Johnson (74 at-bats, five home runs) have struck out the most, 18 times each.

* Andy Van Slyke, now an ESPN announcer, batted .343 (23-for-67) with four home runs and 11 walks.

* Bip Roberts, now in Kansas City, hit .471 (16-for-34) with seven walks.

* Marquis Grissom, now Maddux’s teammate, batted .405 (17-for-42).

* Dante Bichette is 1-for-9 and Colorado teammate Vinny Castilla is 0-for-8.