On September 23, 2004, in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, Chicago Cubs pitcher Greg Maddux recorded his 15th win of the season. That win gave Maddux a streak of seventeen consecutive seasons with 15 or more wins, which remains the record (Cy Young is second on the list with fifteen consecutive 15-win seasons). 

Offered here is the ball used to record Maddox's last out in the game, which occurred in the bottom of the sixth inning. According to our consignor, Pirates center fielder Rob Mackowiak struck out on a ball in the dirt in the bottom of the 6th inning to make the last out. Cubs catcher Paul Bako applied the tag, ran toward the dugout and tossed him the ball. Maddux was removed from the game after that inning with a 5-3 lead, making this the last ball pitched by him in the game. The Cubs eventually won the game 6-3, making this ball the final out recorded by Maddox in his record-setting win. Obviously, it wasn't until the end of the next season, in which Maddux won only 13 games, that the historical significance of this ball was finally realized. It has remained in our consignor's sole possession since that time. 

The Official Major League (Selig) baseball displays moderate soiling, indicative of game use. Accompanying the ball are three Pirates ticket stubs from the game saved by our consignor and his family members. The tickets are for three "Dugout Box" seats (behind the visitor's dugout), which serves to corroborate his account of how he acquired the ball.

Consignor LOA: The lot will be accompanied with a LOA from the consignor.

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