Baseball Notes: Maddon’s mother met by police escort
After a difficult day of travel to the World Series, Albina Maddon was met by police at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
“First of all, they had to tell her she’s not being arrested,” her son, Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon, said. “Beanie, being from Hazleton, Polish Catholic, she would have imagined the worst first. They always do.”
Maddon’s mom had driven two hours to Philadelphia International Airport, and her delayed flight didn’t leave until about 90 minutes before game time. Maddon spoke with Cubs traveling secretary Vijay Tekchandani, and they contacted the police.
“My niece and nephew, Michael and Christine, were also part of the party,” the manager said. “So I guess they just rushed them on in, and got her up to the will-call window, escorted her in. And they got there by the second inning.”
Game 3 most-viewed in 12 years
Cleveland’s 1-0 World Series win over the Chicago Cubs was the most-watched Game 3 in 12 years.
Friday night’s game drew an 11.0 rating, 20 share and 19.4 million viewers on Fox, the network said. That was up 39 percent over the 7.9/15 and 13.2 million viewers for the New York Mets’ 9-3 blowout of Kansas City in the third game last year.
Vaughn conducts game 4
Actor Vince Vaughn is cheering on his beloved Chicago Cubs.
Vaughn was the guest conductor for “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch of Game 4 of the World Series.
“I love this. This is my childhood team,” he said.
Orioles’ closer Britton awarded
Orioles closer Zach Britton, who in 2016 turned in one of the best single-season performances by a reliever, was named Mariano Rivera A.L. Reliever of the Year before Game 4 of the World Series. The Rivera award is given to the league’s top relief pitcher.
Clearing the bases
The Pittsburgh Pirates have hired former major leaguer and Spokane Indian (1985) Joey Cora to serve as the team’s infield and third base coach. Pittsburgh also selected Kimera Bartee as outfield, base-running and first-base coach. Additionally, the Pirates promoted Tom Prince to bench coach.