I never really appreciated how great John Smoltz was until recently. I blame that partially on the fact that I grew up a Cleveland fan, and after the 1995 season tried to not think too much about the Braves.
But Smoltz…man. He was really good. Good enough that after reading an article about him last month I sprang for this card.
Before I write too much: I had no idea that he was originally drafted by the Tigers in the 22nd round and came to the Braves in a deal for Doyle Alexander. That sucks for the Tigers.
Anyway.
Smoltz’s career can be divided into three parts:
- 1989-1999 – During this period as a started he would go 157-113 with a 121 OPS+ and 1.187 WHIP. He was a workhorse who averaged 201 innings a season. Smoltz was selected to four All-Star teams, was a Silver Slugger and won the 1996 Cy Young Award.
- 2001-2004 – He transitioned into the Braves closer and would go 6-8 with 154 saves. He carried a 162 ERA+ and 1.016 WHIP during this run. He was selected to two All-Star teams and finished 3rd in Cy Young voting in 2002.
- 2005-2009 – Transitioned back into a starter and would go 50-34 with a 124 ERA+ and 1.200 WHIP. He was selected to two more All-Star teams.
Smoltz collection of achievements is impressive: Cy Young, Silver Slugger, eight-time All-Star, Rolaids Relief, World Series winner and NLCS MVP. He led the league in wins twice, saves once, and strikeouts twice. He retired with a record of 213-155 with 154 saves and was a first ballot Hall of Fame selection in 2015 (with 85% of the vote).