UNLV fan Maddux gets jersey, ovation

Greg Maddux usually likes to slip into the Thomas & Mack Center, watch UNLV play, and then leave unnoticed.

No way that plan was working Tuesday night. Not with a crowd of 14,137 giving him a rousing standing ovation.

The future first-ballot Hall of Famer was honored at halftime of the Rebels' 68-66 overtime loss to San Diego State. After a highlight reel was shown on the large scoreboard that hovers over midcourt, Maddux was presented with a white UNLV basketball jersey with his familiar No. 31 and last name across the back.

"It's nice to be appreciated by UNLV," Maddux said after the ceremony before quickly deflecting the focus to Rebels coach Lon Kruger and his team.

"I think he's done a terrific job. The players are playing hard every time they show up. It's nice to come here and watch them play. It's nice to have a team, too."

Maddux, 42, retired in December after a 23-year career that included a precedent-setting four consecutive Cy Young Awards, 19 Gold Gloves and 355 victories.

The greatest pitcher of this generation will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2014, and the only question is whether he will set a record for highest percentage of votes.

When asked what stands out most about his career, Maddux talked more about team than individual and the chance to play on some talented teams and in some important games.

"Any time you could put on the uniform, it's a special day," he said. "I got to do that for over 20 years, and I got to play for a lot of good teams."

He isn't completely out of baseball, though. Maddux said he will do some coaching with the San Diego Padres in spring training to see if that could be a potential career path.

"I'm kind of interested to see how (Padres manager) Buddy Black does things, and Darren Balsley, the pitching coach, and the hitting coach and how they go about their business," Maddux said. "I think I want to go down there and enjoy staying in the game for a little bit longer and kind of see what it's like."

Now Maddux, a Valley High School graduate and UNLV basketball season-ticket holder, gets to hang around the house with his wife, Kathy, and two children.

The test might be whether he can sit in front of a television and watch a sport he's used to seeing from the mound or dugout. He no longer can help control the outcomes.

"I think I'll be OK with it," Maddux said. "As long as I still know a few of the guys playing, I think I'll enjoy watching. There are always pitchers that you like to watch pitch."

It was his choosing. No one kicked Maddux out of baseball or even nudged him.

It's a decision many athletes don't get to make.

"I figured I better quit before I get fired," Maddux said, causing laughter. "I felt I was not pitching the way I used to pitch, so it was time to get out before it gets that close."

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.