It all started in June of 2005: Mark Buerhle insinuated that a pitcher on the Chicago Cubs was doctoring baseballs. The initial accusation revolved around alledged spit balls... and although no one was named directly, it was assumed that Buerhle was lobbing this indictment at none other than Greg Maddux.

Others then came forward, some defending Buerhle by stating that he hadn't accused Maddux directly... There were a few sportscasters who agreed with Buerhle's accusation, but the vast majority of experts out there responded just as I did: initially there was laughter because of the assinine assertion, but it quickly dissolved into anger. Of all the people in the world to accuse of cheating... people can disagree with me, but I'll say it anyway: Greg Maddux would rather lose a game than win it by cheating. I've been following Greg for 18 years, and although I don't know the man personally, I've learned quite a bit about him: a win from cheating just wouldn't sit well with him.

Of course there has been cheating in baseball and there will be cheating in baseball... but let me say flat out that Greg Maddux isn't in the middle of anything of the sort. Yes, his abilities are impressive, amazing when you look at his age and his build, but Greg has something that the average pitcher doesn't use nearly enough: Greg uses his intelligence and incredible baseball acumen to psych-out hitters. I'm not saying that other pitchers don't use their brains when they throw... but if they, say, use 50% of their intelligence, Greg is at about 95%. He has the uncanny ability to think ahead, so much so that it can appear as if he can see into the future at times.

Now, back to the issue at hand: Mark Buerhle's accusation. It was a besmirchment on a 20 year career, a hall of fame career. It was uncalled for because we all know that a rumor can be enough to affect someone's career. Greg pretty much laughed it off, which is just one of many things that I love about the guy. People try to rattle him with accusations and asking the ump to check the ball, while Greg just shrugs because he has bigger things to worry about. Buerhle was upset when Maddux responded with "Who's Mark Buerhle?"... initially he tried to apologize, but then he stuck to his statement.

I guess we'll just have to see how Maddy fares this Friday, starting against none other than Mark Buerhle. I have to admit, however, that no matter what happens, Greg is the one that will be remembered as a class act. Mark Buerhle simply comes across as someone who has had a bit of luck and thinks he's the king of the world.

Let's see what you've got after twenty years, Mark.