John Smoltz Closer Transition

Lore & Background

Though predominantly known as a starter, Smoltz was converted to a reliever in 2001 after his recovery from Tommy John surgery, and spent four years as the team's closer before returning to a starting role. In 2002, he tied the Braves franchise record with 55 saves and became the only pitcher in Major League history to record both a 20-win season and a 50-save season. He is the only pitcher in Major League history to record both 200 wins and 150 saves.

In Their Own Story

The roar of the crowd at Turner Field was different on this night; it wasn't the steady hum of anticipation for a starting pitcher's warm-up, but a frantic, electric surge. Smoltz stepped onto the rubber in the ninth inning, his breath visible in the cool Georgia air. He didn't need to pace himself or manage pitch counts anymore. With the bases loaded and two outs, he locked eyes on the batter, wound up, and unleashed a slider that cut through the night like lightning, sealing another victory for the Braves.

Reader's Guide

Smoltz was one of the most successful pitchers in playoff history, posting a record of 15–4 with a 2.67 earned run average (ERA) in 41 career postseason games. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1992 NL Championship Series. Smoltz led the NL in wins, winning percentage, strikeouts and innings pitched twice each, and his NL total of 3,084 strikeouts ranked fifth in league history when he retired. He also holds the Braves franchise record for career strikeouts (3,011), and the record for the most career games pitched for the Braves (708) since the club's move to Atlanta in 1966.

Did You Know?

• Smoltz is the only pitcher in MLB history to record both 200 wins and 150 saves.
• He tied the Braves franchise record with 55 saves in 2002.
• Smoltz won the Cy Young Award in 1996 with a 24–8 record.
• He was converted to a reliever in 2001 after Tommy John surgery.