John Smoltz

John Smoltz, born in 1967, was a prominent pitcher in Major League Baseball, whose career spanned from 1988 to 2009. He played the majority of his career with the Atlanta Braves, where he established himself as one of the premier pitchers of his era. Smoltz finished with a career record of 213-155 and an impressive earned run average (ERA) of 3.33. Over his career, he recorded 3,084 strikeouts and achieved 154 saves, showcasing his versatility as both a starter and a closer. His ability to transition between these roles was a defining characteristic of his career, highlighting his adaptability and skill on the mound. Smoltz's accolades included being an eight-time All-Star and winning the coveted Cy Young Award, which further solidified his status as one of the elite pitchers in baseball history. He was named the NLCS MVP during his illustrious career, demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest level in critical postseason moments. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the game, Smoltz was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015. His legacy not only includes his remarkable statistics but also his role in the Atlanta Braves' dominant pitching rotation during the 1990s and early 2000s, a period marked by the team's consistent success.