I must say that I have an abiding respect for how Chicago Cubs manager conducted himself in words and deeds throughout the course of the National League Championship Series and all the way to the end.
“May I just start by congratulating the Mets. That was a pretty impressive four games they played against us. They didn’t give us — they did not let us up for air at any point. Their domination of the early part of the game and their pitching was impressive.”
“They played well, they didn’t make mistakes. So it’s not so much to be disappointed in our performance. They were just that good for four days, man. I’ve got to give them credit.”
He took the time to praise Terry Collins for his part in guiding the Mets to the World Series.
“I’m really happy for T.C. Terry and I go way back, and I know how much this means to him and his family too. So that’s very spectacular for him. Of course, I’d prefer my family celebrating right now, but I’m really happy for him and his group. They did a great job. They were just outstanding for four games.”
Maddon told his mostly young team that he was proud of how far they came this season.
“I told them to understand and celebrate what we accomplished this year.”
“I mentioned to them how important it is as we move forward and we go to Spring Training next year we know exactly what we want to do and how we want to do it. On top of that, our young players have learned how to win on a Major League level which matters. And to get within four games of the World Series in your freshman year is not a bad thing.”
“So, of course, we wanted to go further, and of course it’s highly disappointing. However, you look at — you’ve got to look at the positives that are involved, and that’s what I want them to really focus on when they go home and they have a chance to reflect individually and as a group all that we’ve accomplished this year.”
He discussed how dominating the Mets were and that in his opinion, the best team won.
“Their pitching was really dominating there, and then we got back home, and I thought we’d figure it out back home. But it just did not want to work out. They really, like I said, they smothered us early and that’s always a great game plan. They were able to do that, and they kind of dictated the action based on that. Again, all the credit to them.”
“Daniel Murphy, I’ve not seen anything like this, I don’t think, ever. I saw Bonds in the 2002 World Series where you did not want to throw a baseball to him as a pitcher. Right now it’s just incredible, line drive to left, homer to right or homer to center. He looks like he’s going to hit the ball hard on every pitch. It’s unusual to see a guy that locked in and that locked in at this particular moment. Again, credit to him. He was obviously a big part of their success, and you don’t see that very often.”
“I’m ecstatic for Terry personally. I really am. I know T.C., we’re both minor league runts at heart. He came up the same way I did. We crossed paths in the ’80s, when he was with the Dodgers and I was with the Angels, and eventually worked together in Anaheim. I know him. I know his family. I knew his dad.”
“So I’m really happy for him. I’m honestly, sincerely very happy for him. I know how much it means to him. I know how hard he works and I know how good he is at his craft. So for all those different reasons, I’m happy for him and his family.”
