John Smoltz's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 21, 2025

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of John Smoltz.

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

1991: Success After Consulting a Sports Psychologist

In 1991, after starting with a 2-11 record, John Smoltz began seeing a sports psychologist, leading to a 12-2 finish and a World Series appearance.

1992: NL Championship Series MVP

In 1992, John Smoltz was named the Most Valuable Player of the National League Championship Series.

1992: MVP of the NL Championship Series

In 1992, John Smoltz won 15 regular-season games and was the MVP of the National League Championship Series.

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.

1996: Cy Young Award Winning Season

In 1996, John Smoltz had a stellar season, going 24-8 with a 2.94 ERA and 276 strikeouts, winning the NL Cy Young Award.

1996: Cy Young Award

In 1996, John Smoltz won the National League Cy Young Award after a 24-8 season.

1997: Silver Slugger Award

In 1997, John Smoltz received a Silver Slugger Award for his batting, leading all pitchers with 18 base hits.

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.

2004: Franchise Record for Career Saves

In 2004, John Smoltz held the Braves franchise record for career saves.

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.

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.

April 16, 2012: Braves Announce Retirement of Smoltz's Number

On April 16, 2012, the Atlanta Braves announced that they would retire John Smoltz's number 29. The ceremony took place on June 8.

2014: Career Saves Record Broken

In 2014, Craig Kimbrel surpassed John Smoltz's franchise record for career saves.

2015: Hall of Fame Induction

In 2015, John Smoltz was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

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.