Rise to Success: Career Highlights of John Smoltz

How John Smoltz built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

John Smoltz is a retired American baseball pitcher who played 21 MLB seasons, primarily with the Atlanta Braves (1988-2008). An eight-time All-Star, he was a key member of the Braves' dominant pitching trio alongside Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, leading the team to consistent success in the 1990s, including a 1995 World Series title. Smoltz won the NL Cy Young Award in 1996 with a 24-8 record. He briefly played for the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals before retiring.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1966: Braves Move to Atlanta

In 1991, John Smoltz propelled the Braves to their first World Series since moving to Atlanta in 1966.

1985: Drafted by Detroit Tigers

In 1985, John Smoltz was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 22nd round of the amateur draft.

1987: Trade to the Braves

On August 12, 1987, the Detroit Tigers traded 20-year-old John Smoltz to the Atlanta Braves for 36-year-old veteran Doyle Alexander.

July 23, 1988: Major League Debut

On July 23, 1988, John Smoltz made his major league debut.

1988: MLB Debut

In 1988, John Smoltz began his 21-season MLB career with the Atlanta Braves.

1989: Breakthrough Season

In 1989, John Smoltz had a breakthrough season, recording a 12-11 record with a 2.94 ERA, and was named to the NL All-Star team.

1995: World Series Title

In 1995, John Smoltz and the Braves won their one World Series title, although Smoltz had shaky postseason numbers that year.

2001: Transition to Bullpen

In 2001, after being unable to perform effectively as a starter, John Smoltz transitioned to the bullpen, becoming the Braves' closer.

2002: National League Record

In 2002, John Smoltz set a National League record with 55 saves and became only the second pitcher in history to record both a 20-win season and a 50-save season.

2003: Continued Success as Closer

In 2003, John Smoltz recorded 45 saves with a 1.12 ERA.

2005: NL Division Series Win

In 2005, John Smoltz pitched seven innings in the Braves' 7-1 win over the Houston Astros in Game 2 of the NL Division Series.

2005: Return to Starting Rotation

In 2005, John Smoltz returned to the starting rotation after three years as a closer, starting inauspiciously but ultimately being chosen for the NL All-Star team with a 9-5 record and 2.68 ERA at the All-Star break.

September 21, 2006: Contract Option Picked Up

On September 21, 2006, the Atlanta Braves announced they had picked up John Smoltz's $8 million contract option for the 2007 season.

April 26, 2007: Contract Extension

On April 26, 2007, John Smoltz agreed to a contract extension with the Atlanta Braves, including a $14 million salary for 2008.

January 12, 2008: Doc Rivers recommends Smoltz to Red Sox

On January 12, 2008, Doc Rivers spoke about recommending John Smoltz to Terry Francona and the Red Sox organization, encouraging Smoltz to join them.

April 22, 2008: Smoltz Reaches 3,000 Career Strikeouts

On April 22, 2008, John Smoltz became the 16th pitcher in Major League history to achieve 3,000 career strikeouts. He was also the fourth pitcher to strike out 3,000 batters for a single team, joining Walter Johnson, Bob Gibson, and Steve Carlton.

May 1, 2008: Smoltz Intends to Return as Relief Pitcher

On May 1, 2008, John Smoltz announced his intention to return as a relief pitcher.

November 9, 2008: "An Evening With Smoltz and Friends" Charity Event

On November 9, 2008, John Smoltz and Jeff Foxworthy hosted the charity event "An Evening With Smoltz and Friends" at the Verizon Amphitheater in Alpharetta, raising money for the John Smoltz Foundation.

December 2008: Red Sox Organization Members Assess Smoltz's Recovery

In December 2008, members of the Boston Red Sox organization, including pitching coach John Farrell, vice president of player personnel Ben Cherington and assistant trainer Mike Reinold, traveled to Atlanta to observe a 90-minute workout with John Smoltz, assessing his recovery from shoulder surgery.

2008: Departure from the Braves

In 2008, John Smoltz left the Atlanta Braves.

January 13, 2009: Smoltz Signs with Red Sox

On January 13, 2009, John Smoltz signed a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox with a base salary of $5.5 million.

August 19, 2009: Smoltz Signs with Cardinals

On August 19, 2009, John Smoltz signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. He made his debut against the Padres on August 23, striking out nine and walking none, setting a Cardinals franchise record by striking out seven batters in a row.

2009: Final Season in MLB

In 2009, John Smoltz played his final season in Major League Baseball.

April 22, 2012: Smoltz Hosts Fundraiser for Andrea Cascarilla

On April 22, 2012, John Smoltz hosted a fundraiser for Andrea Cascarilla, a Democratic candidate for State Representative in Michigan's 71st House District, which includes Waverly Senior High School, where Smoltz excelled in baseball and basketball.

2014: Smoltz Hired by Fox Sports as Game Analyst

In 2014, John Smoltz was hired by Fox Sports as a game analyst. He was paired with Matt Vasgersian and also joined Fox Sports South and SportSouth for select Braves games.

2016: Smoltz Becomes Lead Analyst for Major League Baseball on Fox

In 2016, John Smoltz replaced Harold Reynolds and Tom Verducci as the lead analyst for Major League Baseball on Fox, teaming up with Joe Buck and, later, Joe Davis.

2016: Color Commentator Role

Since 2016, John Smoltz has provided color commentary during baseball's biggest televised events, including the All-Star Game and World Series.

2021: Smoltz Wins Sports Emmy Award

In 2021, John Smoltz won his first Sports Emmy Award as an Event Analyst. Smoltz was later forced to end his in-studio work for MLB Network after he refused to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, which is required for the company's employees.