john smoltz

John Smoltz, fondly nicknamed “Smoltzie” and “Marmaduke,” stands as a legendary figure in Major League Baseball, leaving an indelible mark over his illustrious 22-season career from 1988 to 2009. Best known for his remarkable tenure with the Atlanta Braves, Smoltz played a pivotal role alongside Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine in a celebrated trio of starting pitchers that propelled the team to perennial pennant contention in the 1990s.

A formidable force on the mound, Smoltz’s achievements include an impressive eight All-Star appearances and a key role in securing the 1995 World Series championship for the Braves. In 1996, he earned the National League Cy Young Award, boasting a remarkable record of 24–8, matching the most victories by an NL pitcher since 1972.

Smoltz’s versatility was showcased when he transitioned from a dominant starter to a reliever in 2001 following successful Tommy John surgery. During his four-year stint as the team’s closer, he set a National League record with 55 saves in 2002, a feat that solidified his place in baseball history alongside Dennis Eckersley as the only pitchers to achieve both a 20-win season and a 50-save season.

A true trailblazer, Smoltz remains the sole pitcher in MLB history to achieve the impressive milestone of recording both 200 wins and 150 saves, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest and most versatile pitchers to grace the baseball diamond.