John Smiley's journey in Major League Baseball began when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 12th round of the 1983 MLB Draft. A left-handed pitcher, Smiley made his debut with the Pirates in 1986, quickly establishing himself as a reliable starter. Over the next few years, he developed into a consistent performer on the mound, contributing to the Pirates' rotation with his effective pitching style.
In 1991, Smiley had a standout season with the Pirates, achieving a career-high 20 wins, which tied him for the most wins in the National League that year. His performance earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team and placed him third in the Cy Young Award voting. Smiley's efforts helped the Pirates secure the National League East title, although they fell short in the National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves.
Following his successful stint with the Pirates, Smiley was traded to the Minnesota Twins in 1992. His time with the Twins was brief but productive, as he continued to demonstrate his skills as a starting pitcher. After just one season in Minnesota, Smiley was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, where he spent the next few years of his career.
With the Reds, Smiley continued to be a dependable presence in the rotation. In 1995, he was selected for his second All-Star game, further solidifying his reputation as a quality pitcher. That season, he recorded 12 wins and maintained a solid earned run average, helping the Reds reach the postseason. Unfortunately, the Reds were eliminated by the Braves in the National League Championship Series.
Smiley's career took another turn when he joined the Cleveland Indians in 1997. However, his time with the Indians was marred by injuries, which limited his effectiveness and playing time. Despite these setbacks, Smiley's earlier achievements and contributions to his teams were well-regarded by fans and peers alike.
Throughout his career, Smiley was known for his control and ability to keep hitters off balance. His pitching arsenal included a mix of fastballs, curveballs, and changeups, which he used effectively to navigate through opposing lineups. While injuries eventually curtailed his playing days, Smiley's tenure in Major League Baseball left a lasting impression on those who followed his career.
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