Greg Maddux inducted into the Hall of Fame

His speech began with gratitude to the voters, followed by thanks to his family, his wife Kathy, coaches, scouts, doctors, all of his catchers, and former teammates including fellow inductees Bobby Cox and Tom Glavine.

He mentioned that Gene Michael -- Maddux’s first manager with the Cubs -- thought he was “The Batboy” when he first reported to the majors. The nickname stuck for a while, but eventually gave way to the more notable “Professor” and “Mad Dog.”

Maddux thanked his family first of all, noting “When I was six years old my dad, Dave, was my first coach.”

He also made mention of his brother, Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux, saying, “My brother Mike led by example ... he even taught me about science. It had to do with methane and a lighter ...” Yes, that was a fart joke.

As he reminisced on his career, Maddux explained his decision to join the Braves in 1992: “I picked Atlanta because I wanted to finally win a World Series ring and start a family. ...Sorry, Chicago.”

But he was appreciative to both organizations.

“I wouldn’t be a Cub if I couldn’t handle the heartache.”

He noted that his plaque has no logo because he spent 11 years in Chciago and 12 in Atlanta and, “Both are very special to me.”