John Smoltz
Hall of Fame pitcher and only MLB player with 200 wins and 150 saves.
John Andrew Smoltz (born May 15, 1967), nicknamed "Smoltzie" and "Marmaduke", is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 21 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1988 to 2009, all but the last year with the Atlanta Braves. An eight-time All-Star, Smoltz was part of a celebrated trio of starting pitchers, along with Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, who propelled Atlanta to perennial pennant contention in the 1990s, highlighted by a championship in the 1995 World Series. He won the National League (NL) Cy Young Award in 1996 after posting a record of 24–8, equaling the most victories by an NL pitcher since 1972. He also played for the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals.
Quick Facts
- Primary affiliation
- Atlanta Braves (1988–2008)
- St. Louis Cardinals (2009)
- Boston Red Sox (2009)
- Position
- Right-handed pitcher
- Hall of fame
- Elected 2015
- Broadcast career
- TBS, then ESPN (post-playing career)
Lore & Background
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 is the only pitcher in Major League history to record both 200 wins and 150 saves. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2015.
Reader's Guide
Smoltz was converted to a reliever in 2001 after 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.
Did You Know?
- Smoltz was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 22nd round of the 1985 amateur draft.
- He was traded to the Braves in 1987 for Doyle Alexander.
- Smoltz led the NL in wins, winning percentage, strikeouts and innings pitched twice each.
- He holds the Braves franchise record for career strikeouts (3,011) and most career games pitched for the Braves (708) since the club's move to Atlanta in 1966.
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