Rest in peace: After a brief illness, former Chicago Cubs baseball head coach Joe Maddon passed away at the age of 71.
Then the baseball world stood still, mourning the loss of one of the game’s most innovative minds and beloved personalities. Known for his unorthodox strategies, analytical approach, and easygoing charisma, Maddon led the Cubs to their historic 2016 World Series championship, ending a 108-year title drought and cementing his place in baseball lore.
Players, fans, and fellow coaches alike paid tribute to the man who changed the culture of every clubhouse he entered. More than just a manager, Maddon was a mentor, a motivator, and a master of keeping the game fun even amid high pressure. His sayings, like “Do simple better,” became rallying cries for his teams.
Though his later years saw stints with other clubs, including the Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Angels, Maddon will forever be remembered in Chicago as the manager who made the impossible possible. His legacy lives on not just in trophies and win-loss records, but in the memories of fans and players who saw firsthand what visionary leadership looked like. The baseball diamond feels emptier now, but his influence will echo for generations