John Smoltz Save Record

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 set a National League record with 55 saves and became only the second pitcher in history (joining Dennis Eckersley) 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. Smoltz was one of the most successful pitchers in playoff history, posting a record of 15–4 with a 2.67 ERA in 41 career postseason games. He was named the MVP of the 1992 NL Championship Series. He 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; from 2004 to 2010, he held the franchise record for career saves and has the single season record.

In Their Own Story

The scoreboard flashed 'Top 9th', the score tied, and the crowd held its breath. John Smoltz stepped onto the mound, his glove adjusting to the familiar yet different rhythm of the closer's role. He wiped sweat from his brow, locked eyes with the batter, and delivered a fastball that screamed past the plate for strike one. In an era defined by specialists, 'Smoltzie' proved he was the master of them all.

Reader's Guide

Smoltz made his major league debut on July 23, 1988. He blossomed in 1989 with a 12–11 record and 2.94 ERA. In 1991, he started 2–11 but closed the season on a 12–2 pace, helping the Braves win the NL West. He won both his starts in the 1991 NLCS, including a complete game shutout in Game 7. In the 1991 World Series, he had two no-decisions with a 1.26 ERA. In 1992, he won 15 regular-season games and was MVP of the NLCS. In 1995, he posted a 12–7 record; the Braves won the World Series that year. In 1996, he went 24–8 with a 2.94 ERA and 276 strikeouts, winning the Cy Young Award. He underwent Tommy John surgery before the 2000 season and missed the entire year. In 2001, he transitioned to the bullpen and became the Braves' closer. In 2002, he set a National League record with 55 saves.

Did You Know?

• Smoltz is the only pitcher in MLB history to record both 200 wins and 150 saves.
• He set a National League record with 55 saves in 2002.
• Smoltz was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2015.
• He holds the Braves franchise record for career strikeouts (3,011) and most games pitched (708) since the team moved to Atlanta in 1966.