Big heart Maddux's secret

Originally Published: August 7, 2004

From an undersized high school pitcher with 88-mph stuff to a future Hall of Famer, Greg Maddux defied the odds.

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By Rob Neyer
ESPN Insider
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In 1984, a Mets scout named Harry Minor watched a skinny right-hander named Greg Maddux pitch for Valley High School in Las Vegas. Maddux pitched seven innings, and afterward Minor wrote in his scouting report, "Can really project this boy. He should fill out and get stronger. He throws with ease and should have good control."

Minor nailed it. Almost. At the bottom of the form, Minor had to check a box for Maddux's "Prospect Category," he had six choices, ranging from Excellent all the way down to N.P. (non-prospect). Minor checked "Good."

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