John Smoltz

John Andrew Smoltz (born May 15, 1967 in Detroit, Michigan) is a Major League Baseball player. While he is predominantly known as a starter and former Cy Young Award winner, in 2001 he became a closer. In 2002 he became only the second pitcher in history to have both a season with 20 wins and a season with 50 saves in his career (the other was Dennis Eckersley). Smoltz is also one of only two pitchers with 150 wins and 150 saves (again, the other is Dennis Eckersley)). Smoltz throws a four-seam fastball that tops out in the low- to mid-90s, a 91MPH slider that has long been considered one of the best in the league, and a 92MPH split-finger fastball that he uses as a strikeout pitch. He mixes in a curveball on occasion as well.

Early career

John Smoltz was an All-State baseball and basketball at Waverly High School in Lansing, Michigan before the Detroit Tigers drafted him in the 22nd round of the 1985 amateur draft.

Related Topics:
Lansing, Michigan - Detroit Tigers - 1985

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Smoltz developed in the Detroit farm system for a few years until, on August 12, 1987, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves for Doyle Alexander.

Related Topics:
August 12 - 1987 - Atlanta Braves - Doyle Alexander

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He made his Major League debut on July 23, 1988. Granted the opportunity to make 12 starts that season, Smoltz did not fare well. His year-end record was 2–7 with a 5.48 ERA.

Related Topics:
July 23 - 1988 - ERA

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