Cubs manager won't guest-star in 'Curb your enthusiasm season 9' due to scheduling conflict

Joe Maddon, manager of the Chicago Cubs, won't be guest-starring in the highly-awaited season 9 of 'Curb your enthusiasm' due to a scheduling conflict. Maddon was reportedly promised a cameo role by Jeff Garlin, who plays the role of Larry David's manager in HBO's highly-acclaimed comedy series.

Maddon, who led the Cubs to a historic World Series victory last November, was asked to appear for a 'Curb your enthusiasm season 9' taping on Feb. 21, the same day Cactus League managers staged a media event in Phoenix, Arizona. Due to the event at the Arizona Biltmore, the Cubs manager couldn't fly to Southern California where David, Garlin & Co. are currently filming the ninth season of the show after a five-year hiatus.

On Sunday, Maddon addressed the media ahead of Monday's Spring Training match-up against the Chicago White Sox at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. While expressing his regret at missing the TV taping, Maddon said that he would contact Jeff Garlin, a lifelong fan of the Cubs, about rescheduling his appearance. "I couldn’t make it. I don’t know how we’re going to figure this out (reschedule the taping). Maybe (I'll be) a picture in the wall or a phone call," said Maddon before claiming that his appearance "will happen (at some stage)."

Would 'Curb your enthusiasm season 9' feature a sports star?

Maddon wouldn't be the first sports luminary to appear on 'Curb your enthusiasm'. In previous seasons, retired sports stars such as Shaquille O'Neal, John McEnroe, Muggsy Bogues and Bill Buckner made memorable cameo appearances. Though several reports claim that Larry David & Co. are close to wrapping up production for season 9, the Cubs manager is still not giving up on a possible appearance.

"That was the only day (Feb. 21), so I don't know how we're going to figure this out. First, they had one day set up, and that was going to be good. And then they had to change it to this other day, which was not good. So we'll have to (come up with something else), even if it's maybe a picture on the wall or a phone call," said Maddon, who took charge of the Cubs in 2015 after a nine-year stint with the Tampa Bay Rays.

'Curb your enthusiasm season 9' is expected to be the penultimate season of the hit comedy show. According to The Daily Express, "the show's bosses are reportedly expecting to end once they film a tenth season." Recently J.B. Smoove, who portrays the character 'Leon' on the show, urged Larry David to film a tenth season before calling it quits. "Ten seasons looks good in the box set. Eight doesn't look good… nine doesn’t look good. Ten is perfect," Smoove told Compex in an interview.