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.