I’m not sure how John Smoltz is viewed on the national baseball scene. I’ve always considered him a very good pitcher, not necessarily a great one. I’ve changed my mind.
The Atlanta Braves ace right handed hurler recently became the first pitcher in major league history to notch 100 saves, and 3,000 strikeouts. There’s a difficult feat for you, baseball fans. He was the Braves’ closer for four full seasons, limiting his strikeout opportunities, and racking up over 100 saves during the relatively brief time he was slamming the door on opponents, is exceptional.
And, lest we forget, he has over 200 wins and a career ERA in the 3.25 range.
I saw Smoltzy pitch in maybe the best baseball game I’ve ever seen - Game 7 of the 1991 World Series against the Twins. Jack Morris pitched ten innings of shutout ball to beat the Braves. Smoltz pitched the other half of the masterpiece, but fell one step behind Blackjack.
John Smoltz will be a Hall of Famer.
