'Mad dog' Maddux retires, ready for hall of fame

NEW YORK: Greg Maddux brought the curtain down on his career on Monday, announcing his retirement after 23 seasons and 355 wins and a place in the Hall of Fame beckoning when he becomes eligible in five years.

"The game's given me and my family so much," the 42-year-old pitcher told a news conference at Major League Baseball's (MLB) winter meetings in Las Vegas.

"The one thing I hope is I gave back. I played the way I would want my teammates to play. I'll miss it," added Maddux, who placed his fastball with precision and changed speeds to keep hitters off balance.