Smoltz made his MLB debut with the Braves on July 23, 1988. Initially, he was a starting pitcher, and it was in this role that he first gained recognition. By 1991, Smoltz had established himself as a reliable starter, helping the Braves reach the World Series that year. Although the Braves lost to the Minnesota Twins, Smoltz's performance was commendable, and he quickly became an integral part of the Braves' pitching rotation.
Throughout the 1990s, Smoltz was part of a legendary trio of pitchers for the Braves, alongside Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. This trio was instrumental in the Braves' dominance in the National League during that era. Smoltz's standout season came in 1996 when he won the National League Cy Young Award. That year, he posted a 24-8 record with a 2.94 ERA and 276 strikeouts, leading the league in wins and strikeouts.
In 1997, Smoltz continued to perform at a high level, but his career faced a significant challenge in 2000 when he underwent Tommy John surgery. This surgery, which repairs the ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow, forced him to miss the entire 2000 season. Upon his return in 2001, Smoltz transitioned to a new role as a closer, a move that showcased his adaptability and skill.
As a closer, Smoltz excelled, recording 154 saves from 2002 to 2004. In 2002, he set a National League record with 55 saves, earning him the Rolaids Relief Man Award. His ability to transition from a starting pitcher to a closer and excel in both roles is a testament to his talent and work ethic.
In 2005, Smoltz returned to the starting rotation, proving once again his ability to adapt and succeed. He continued to pitch effectively for the Braves until 2008. In 2009, Smoltz signed with the Boston Red Sox, and later that year, he joined the St. Louis Cardinals. Although his time with these teams was brief, it marked the end of an illustrious career.
Smoltz retired with a career record of 213 wins, 155 losses, and 154 saves, along with 3,084 strikeouts. He is the only pitcher in MLB history to have both 200 wins and 150 saves, highlighting his unique career path. In 2015, Smoltz was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition for his achievements on the field.
Beyond his statistics, Smoltz was known for his competitive spirit and leadership. He played a crucial role in the Braves' success during the 1990s, helping them win the World Series in 1995. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, both as a starter and a closer, made him a valuable asset to his teams.
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