Maddox's Yankees career began slowly, as he batted just .174 in April. In May, Maddox batted .371. Add to that the eight walks he drew, he had a .488 on-base percentage for the month, prompting manager Bill Virdon to move Maddox into the lead-off spot. He also started the season playing right field, however, soon switched positions with All-Star center fielder Bobby Murcer. For the season, he finishing sixth in the AL with a .303 average with a career high 75 runs scored in a career high 550 plate appearances. He also logged career highs in at bats (466), RBIs (45), doubles (26), on-base percentage (.395), walks (69) & OPS (.781). He had fourteen assists from the center field (18 total) & four double plays, leading all AL center fielders in both categories.