Glavine was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the second round of the 1984 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut on August 17, 1987, against the Houston Astros. Although his early years in the majors were marked by struggles, with a 7-17 record in 1988, Glavine's potential was undeniable. His perseverance paid off as he refined his pitching skills, particularly his changeup, which became one of his most effective pitches.
The 1990s were a transformative period for Glavine and the Braves. Under the management of Bobby Cox and with the guidance of pitching coach Leo Mazzone, Glavine became a cornerstone of the Braves' pitching rotation, which also included Greg Maddux and John Smoltz. This trio became known as one of the most dominant pitching staffs in baseball history. Glavine's breakout season came in 1991 when he won 20 games and earned his first National League Cy Young Award. That year, he helped lead the Braves to the World Series, marking the beginning of a remarkable run of success for the team.
Throughout the 1990s, Glavine was a model of consistency and excellence. He won 20 or more games in five different seasons and was selected to the All-Star team ten times during his career. His ability to control the game with his precise pitching and strategic approach made him a challenging opponent for hitters. Glavine's performance in the 1995 World Series was particularly memorable. In Game 6 against the Cleveland Indians, he pitched eight innings of one-hit baseball, securing the Braves' first World Series title since moving to Atlanta. For his efforts, Glavine was named the World Series MVP.
In 2003, Glavine signed with the New York Mets, a move that marked the end of his long tenure with the Braves. While his time with the Mets did not reach the same heights as his years in Atlanta, Glavine continued to be an effective pitcher. He achieved his 300th career win on August 5, 2007, becoming only the 23rd pitcher in MLB history to reach that milestone. This achievement underscored his longevity and skill in the game.
Glavine returned to the Braves in 2008, hoping to finish his career where it began. However, injuries limited his effectiveness, and he was released by the team in 2009, marking the end of his playing days. Over his 22-year career, Glavine compiled a record of 305 wins, 203 losses, and an earned run average (ERA) of 3.54. His achievements on the field were recognized with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014, alongside his longtime teammate Greg Maddux and manager Bobby Cox.
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