John Smoltz's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

John Smoltz, nicknamed "Smoltzie," is a retired American baseball pitcher who played 21 MLB seasons, primarily with the Atlanta Braves. An eight-time All-Star, he formed a dominant pitching trio with Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, leading the Braves to sustained success, including a 1995 World Series title. Smoltz won the 1996 National League Cy Young Award 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

1987: First Starting Pitcher Elected

John Smoltz was the first starting pitcher since 1987 to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame despite having fewer than 250 wins and only one Cy Young Award.

1989: Blossoming Season and All-Star Selection

In 1989, John Smoltz had a blossoming season, recording a 12-11 record and 2.94 ERA, and was named to the NL All-Star team. Teammate Tom Glavine also had his first good year in 1989, raising optimism about the future of Atlanta's pitching staff.

1991: Turnaround Season and World Series Appearance

In 1991, John Smoltz started with a poor record but rebounded after seeing a sports psychologist, helping the Braves win the NL West and propelling them to their first World Series since 1966.

1991: Braves Worst-to-First Season

In 1991, John Smoltz was part of the Braves roster during their worst-to-first season.

1992: NL Championship Series MVP

In 1992, John Smoltz was named the Most Valuable Player of the NL 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.

1993: Previous mark of 53 saves shared by Randy Myers

In 2002, John Smoltz set a National League record with 55 saves, topping the previous mark of 53, shared by Randy Myers (1993)

1995: World Series Title with Shaky Postseason Numbers

In 1995, John Smoltz and the Braves won the World Series, although Smoltz had shaky postseason numbers, including a poor Game 3 start.

1995: World Series Championship

In 1995, John Smoltz, along with Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, propelled the Atlanta Braves to win the World Series.

1996: Cy Young Award Winner

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

1997: Silver Slugger Award

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

1998: Previous mark of 53 saves shared by Trevor Hoffman

In 2002, John Smoltz set a National League record with 55 saves, topping the previous mark of 53, shared by Trevor Hoffman (1998)

2002: National League Record for Saves

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

2004: Franchise Record for Career Saves

From 2004 to 2014, John Smoltz held the franchise record for career saves and has the single season record.

2005: Season Performance and Increased Workload

In 2005, John Smoltz finished the season with a 14-7 record, a 3.06 ERA, and 169 strikeouts, proving critics wrong but experiencing wear down due to an increased workload.

2007: Milestone Year

In 2007, John Smoltz had a year of reunions and milestones, including facing Maddux for the first time since July 10, 1992, recording his 200th win against Glavine, setting the Braves strikeout record, and finishing the year with a 14-8 record and a 3.11 ERA.

April 22, 2008: 3,000 Career Strikeouts

On April 22, 2008, John Smoltz became the 16th pitcher in Major League history to reach 3,000 career strikeouts, and the fourth pitcher to strike out 3,000 batters for one team.

April 16, 2012: Braves Announce Retirement of Number 29

On April 16, 2012, the Braves announced that they would retire John Smoltz's number 29.

2014: Franchise Record for Career Saves Surpassed

From 2004 to 2014, John Smoltz held the franchise record for career saves, but in 2014, his final total of 154 saves was eventually surpassed by Craig Kimbrel.

2014: Craig Kimbrel Surpasses Saves Record

In 2004, Smoltz broke Gene Garber's franchise record of 141 career saves; his final total of 154 saves was eventually surpassed by Craig Kimbrel in 2014.