Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Joe Maddon

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Joe Maddon made an impact.

Joe Maddon is a former MLB manager, notably leading the Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Angels. Known for his unconventional strategies and player-friendly approach, he guided the Cubs to their first World Series title in 108 years in 2016. Maddon's managerial career spanned multiple decades, marked by a blend of innovation, motivational skills, and a unique personality that resonated with players and fans alike.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1945: Cubs Last Pennant

In 1945, prior to Joe Maddon's arrival, the Cubs won their last pennant prior to 2016, marking the start of the longest pennant drought in MLB history which ended with Maddon at the helm.

1975: Signs with California Angels

In 1975, Joe Maddon began his professional baseball career by signing with the California Angels organization as a free agent.

1976: Plays for Quad Cities Angels

In 1976, Joe Maddon played for the Quad Cities Angels, hitting .294 in 50 games.

1977: Plays for Salinas Angels

In 1977, Joe Maddon played for the Salinas Angels.

1979: Transition to Coaching

In 1979, Joe Maddon retired from playing and transitioned to coaching within the Angels organization.

1981: Manages Idaho Falls Angels

In 1981, Joe Maddon managed the Idaho Falls Angels of the Rookie League.

1982: Manages Salem Angels

In 1982, Joe Maddon managed the Class A Salem Angels.

1983: Manages Salem Angels

In 1983, Joe Maddon managed the Class A Salem Angels.

1984: Manages Peoria Chiefs

In 1984, Joe Maddon managed the Class A Peoria Chiefs.

1985: Manages Midland Angels

In 1985, Joe Maddon managed the Class AA Midland Angels.

1986: Manages Midland Angels

In 1986, Joe Maddon managed the Class AA Midland Angels.

1987: Minor League Roving Instructor

In 1987, Joe Maddon became a Minor League roving instructor.

1993: Coaching Under Lachemann

From 1993, Joe Maddon served as a coach under Marcel Lachemann.

1993: Promoted to Big League Coach

In 1993, Joe Maddon was promoted to the big league club as a coach.

1994: Joins Angels MLB Coaching Staff

In 1994, Joe Maddon began his MLB coaching career with the Angels, serving under various managers.

1994: Coaching for the Angels

In 1994, Joe Maddon served as a major league coach for the Angels.

1996: Interim Manager for Angels

In 1996, Joe Maddon served as interim manager for the Angels.

1998: Interim Manager for Angels

In 1998, Joe Maddon served as interim manager for the Angels.

1999: Interim Manager and Hired Scioscia

In 1999, Joe Maddon was interim manager and the Angels hired Mike Scioscia.

2000: Bench Coach for Angels

From 2000, Joe Maddon served as Scioscia's bench coach.

2004: Candidate for Red Sox Manager Job

In 2004, Joe Maddon was considered for the Boston Red Sox manager job.

November 15, 2005: Hired as Rays Manager

On November 15, 2005, Joe Maddon was hired to manage the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

2005: Leaves Angels

In 2005, Joe Maddon left the Angels organization after 31 years.

2006: Becomes Rays Manager

In 2006, Joe Maddon became the manager of the Tampa Bay Rays.

2008: Wins American League Pennant

In 2008, Maddon led the Tampa Bay Rays to win the American League pennant.

May 25, 2009: Contract Extension with Rays

On May 25, 2009, Joe Maddon and the Tampa Bay Rays agreed to a contract extension through 2012.

July 14, 2009: Manages American League All-Star Team

On July 14, 2009, Joe Maddon managed the American League All-Star team to a 4–3 victory, but faced controversy over player selections.

September 28, 2010: Rays Clinch Playoff Berth

On September 28, 2010, Joe Maddon's Tampa Bay Rays clinched their second playoff berth in team history.

February 13, 2012: Three-Year Extension with Rays

On February 13, 2012, the Rays signed Joe Maddon to a three-year contract extension.

October 14, 2014: Friedman Leaves Tampa Bay

On October 14, 2014, Rays' General Manager Andrew Friedman left Tampa Bay, activating an opt-out clause in Joe Maddon's contract.

November 2, 2014: Hired as Cubs Manager

On November 2, 2014, the Chicago Cubs announced the hiring of Joe Maddon as their manager, replacing Rick Renteria.

2014: Leaves Rays

In 2014, Joe Maddon ended his tenure as manager of the Tampa Bay Rays.

2015: Manages Cubs

From 2015, Joe Maddon managed the Chicago Cubs.

October 22, 2016: Cubs Win NLCS

On October 22, 2016, Joe Maddon's Cubs defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 6 of the NLCS, securing their first pennant since 1945. This victory also made Maddon one of the few managers to win pennants in both leagues.

2016: Wins World Series with Cubs

In 2016, Joe Maddon led the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series title since 1908.

2016: Renteria Joins White Sox

In 2016, Rick Renteria, who Maddon replaced, signed on as the Chicago White Sox bench coach.

May 16, 2017: Maddon Wins 1000th Game

On May 16, 2017, Joe Maddon achieved his 1,000th managerial win with a 9-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, marking a significant milestone in his career.

2017: Gasparilla Party

In 2017, Joe Maddon and his neighbor Jill Kelley hosted a Gasparilla party for wounded veterans, showing his commitment to supporting veterans.

2017: Renteria Becomes White Sox Manager

In 2017, Rick Renteria became the manager of the Chicago White Sox.

2017: Division-Winning Record

In 2017, the Chicago Cubs, managed by Joe Maddon, finished with a division-winning record, which ultimately failed to secure a championship that year.

2018: Cubs Opt Not to Extend Contract

In 2018, following the Cubs' quick exit from the playoffs, the team opted not to extend Joe Maddon's contract.

October 16, 2019: Maddon Returns to Angels

On October 16, 2019, Joe Maddon was announced as the new manager for the Los Angeles Angels, returning to the team for the 2020 season on a three-year deal.

2019: Leaves Cubs

In 2019, Joe Maddon ended his time as manager of the Chicago Cubs.

2020: Maddon Manages Angels

In 2020, Joe Maddon began his managerial role with the Los Angeles Angels, marking his return to the team.

February 2021: Ohtani to Both Hit and Pitch

In February 2021, Joe Maddon announced that Shohei Ohtani would both hit and pitch for the Angels, following his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

April 4, 2021: Ohtani Bats for Himself

On April 4, 2021, under Joe Maddon's management, Shohei Ohtani batted for himself as a starting pitcher for the first time, marking a unique event in Angels history and the American League.