John Smoltz's 3,000th Career Strikeout

Lore & Background

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.

In Their Own Story

The humid Atlanta evening hung heavy over Turner Field, the familiar crack of bats echoing off the concrete walls. In the sixth inning, John Smoltz stepped onto the rubber, his left arm moving with a practiced, deceptive rhythm. The batter squared up, eyes locked on the incoming missile. As the pitch crossed the plate, it vanished into the catcher's mitt. The umpire's fist shot up—strike three. A roar erupted from the stands, not just for the out, but for the history being written right before their eyes.

Reader's Guide

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.

Did You Know?

• Smoltz is the only pitcher in Major League history to record both 200 wins and 150 saves.
• He set a National League record with 55 saves in 2002.
• Smoltz holds the Braves franchise record for career strikeouts (3,011) since the club's move to Atlanta in 1966.