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Home > Terence Moore > Archives > 2008 > April > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSmoltz is what greatness is all about
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
John Smoltz blew it. Then again, he hadn’t much of a choice. The crowd wanted to celebrate greatness forever Tuesday night at Turner Field early in the game, but greatness still had the rest of the third inning to pitch against an overmatched group of hitters for the Washington Nationals.
That’s why, when the moment arrived at 7:44 p.m., with greatness zipping a splitter past Felipe Lopez’s bat for a 3,000th career strikeout, those among the 23,482 gathered for a lengthy and noisy group hug of greatness wouldn’t sit down or shut up. They went on and on, preparing to boogie in Smoltz’s name until who knows when. Instead, they were silenced in a hurry at 7:45 p.m. You can blame the wildest one-minute standing ovation you’ll ever see on Smoltz ending his acknowledgement of the moment with a gigantic smile before he climbed back onto the mound to continue with the rest of his life.
“Yeah, yeah,” said Smoltz, smiling later, before delivering a shrug. “That’s where I didn’t know what to do. The fans were great with every pitch. It certainly felt like there were 40,000 or 50,000 people with the noise they were making. I wanted to give them as much respect as I could. But at the same time, I wanted to try to honor the game and try to win the game.”
Smoltz was 1-for-2. Courtesy of his ongoing role as the consummate professional, he honored the game by keeping his moment to a minimum, but his seven impressive innings (five hits, one earned runs, 10 strikeouts) weren’t enough to keep the Braves’ bullpen from losing the game in his name.
Even so, greatness never loses.
Greatness is an always-strikingly fit 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds. Greatness ignores the fact that 40-year-old arms aren’t supposed to do the powerful things that the one for greatness consistently does. Greatness never gives into aches and pains. Instead, greatness counters with grit and determination no matter what. Greatness also cherishes the postseason, where no pitcher owns more victories than this version of greatness.
It takes greatness to explain the true essence of greatness. So listen to Braves manager Bobby Cox describe his more than two decades of watching this greatness named Smoltz: “I didn’t know he was such a great athlete until I got to know him better. I didn’t know he was so intelligent until I got to know him better. Those combinations lead to brilliance.”
In this case, such combinations lead to brilliance, longevity, toughness and a 3,000th strikeout. As for the latter, Smoltz, along with all of his splendid attributes too numerous to mention, pitched in a major-league game for the 706th time. By the end of that third inning, he had accomplished something that Cy Young couldn’t do while compiling a record 511 victories.
Warren Spahn couldn’t do it, either, despite 14 trips to the All-Star game, and Bob Feller couldn’t do it along the way to three no-hitters and 12 one-hitters. In fact, they’ve played professional baseball since four years after the Civil War. That said, only 15 other pitchers have done what Smoltz now have done for a career.
Three thousand strikeouts.
That’s a lot of strikeouts, but it isn’t a lot for greatness. “When Smoltzie made his first start in 1988, I was four years old, and my mom was probably picking me up in pre-school,” said Braves right fielder Jeff Francoeur, chuckling. “He also closed for three-and-half years, and you’re not getting that many strikeouts out there when you’re closing. Plus, he also missed another whole year because of surgery.”
Actually, Smoltz missed nearly two years courtesy of injuries. Which means greatness has a way of overcoming things.
Well, many things.
Just not the Nationals this time, at least not in the victory column.
Permalink | Comments (37) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves/MLB
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By Darren
April 22, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
Well said Terrence, a very fitting tribute to Atlanta’s “greatest” hero! Too bad we couldn’t get him the win.
By Darren
April 22, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
Well said Terence, a very fitting tribute to Atlanta’s “greatest” hero
By Skydawg
April 23, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
I couldn’t be more happy for Smoltzie. This could not have happened to a better person. As great as Smoltz is on the diamond, he’s that much better a person off the field. Classy, classy individual who I had the honor of getting to know when I worked at the Golf Club of Georgia. Was just a great unpretentious guy who was just like one of the guys.
Smoltz is the face of the Braves orginization for the past 2 decades for a team that has done what no other sports franchise has done or probably ever do again with 14 straight division titles. Yeah, yeah..the Braves only won 1 World Series. But sometimes the sum of the parts ARE greater than the whole. Thanks for the memories Smoltz and see you in Cooperstown.
By Eric
April 23, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this
Stud.
By ed
April 23, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
Yep. Smoltz is the man. Class, talent and a competitive spirit that breeds success.
Congrats, John. Great job.
By dannycardwell
April 23, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this
john smoltze is a very very good baseball player. but he is also a very good man, everything good for baseball. you hear all the bad things going on in sports and its a shame the good almost always seems to take a back page. a tip of the cap to willie harris. good game
By Dr. Warren
April 23, 2008 2:13 AM | Link to this
The Braves need to win a World Series for this guy this year…
By Ken Stallings
April 23, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this
If there is any justice in the world, for once the BWAA will do something right and vote Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddux into the Hall of Fame so that each of them enter together.
Warren Spahn still represents the greatest Braves pitcher in franchise history. But John Smoltz now secures for himself a close second to the immortal lefty. I’m sure such a student of the game would be honored to be number two behind Spahn.
That leaves the debate to Glavine and Maddux for third and fourth greatest Brave pitcher ever. It’s a wonderful debate. Phil Neikro would agree he is number five.
Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddux form the greatest three-man rotation in history. It is likely we shall never see another rotation of its quality again and certainly not in Braves uniforms.
By ROBERTO
April 23, 2008 6:44 AM | Link to this
The number of pitches made to achieve this record should be included in the record
By RC35
April 23, 2008 6:47 AM | Link to this
Thanks, John, for what you have done and how you have done it. Thanks, Terence, for what you said and how you said it.
By No Dawgs Here
April 23, 2008 7:06 AM | Link to this
John Smoltz just rocks!! A true pro. You never see him in shady night clubs. He never rips his team in public. He is not a showboat. Pro sports needs more class acts like him.
By bruce
April 23, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
Terrance, Very nice article. My favorite of yours all time. Thank you.
By Dan
April 23, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
Great column, Terrence! Smoltz is indeed the consummate professional and it’s a shame that his team couldn’t muster up any support for one of the greatest pitchers of all time on his historic evening.
Imagine where he could be if we’d had a bullpen for the last two years that didn’t cost him so many wins!
By abear
April 23, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
Great article TM on a man who’s always defined the term “taking it to the next level.”
By Larry
April 23, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Nice tribute to the best post season pitcher ever!
Had Smoltz been coupled with a comparably great Manager who had a clue on managing relief pitchers and manufacturing runs in close playoffs games he’d be sporting 2 or 3 more World Series Championship Rings!
By Paddy
April 23, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
Just thankful we could witness JS pitch his career in Atl. You made baseball fun for so many of us. Hall of Fame, you bet…
By opieandy
April 23, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Best article you’ve ever written.
By Ed Smith
April 23, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
One of the best all around players of all time.Nike should have used John for the adds JUST DO IT!!When did you ever hear him whine or make excuses about anything.He speakes with his actions not his mouth.I think John is harder on himself than anyone else could be.What a role model for our kids to follow.John is a one of a kind he stands up for what he believes in
By Dawg Dude
April 23, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Kudos to Smoltzie. We all love him. My concern is next yr. The Braves say it all starts w pitching. But next, almost certainly without Smoltz and Glavine, where is our (young) pitching? Jurrjens, Hudson, and ??? No minor leaguers look ready. How come they don’t have a plan?
By VaBravesfan
April 23, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
Very nice article.
By Kelley
April 23, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
Great Article.
How lucky we in Georgia have been to watch someone like John Smoltz for so many years. He is a class act, a true professional, and a player who pursues excellence.
John Smoltz deserves to be in the Hall and I hope that this feat seals his selection.
What a sad, sad day it will be when the likes of Smoltz and Bobby retire from the Braves. I can’t stand the thought of it.
By Former Bulldog
April 23, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Wonderful article except for one statement. The bullpen did not lose the game - the bats or lack thereof did!!! That team is certainly capable of more than 6 runs!
By Chris Jackson
April 23, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Fantastic article on a fantastic man I met him at Spring Training a few years ago and he was so nice Great Job Smoltzie
By tulsabravo
April 23, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Terrific column and a fitting tribute to Smoltzie. While I no longer live in Atlanta, I still follow the Braves, and I am amazed at what Smoltz is still able to do. But what also should be mentioned is Smoltz’ contributions to the community. Truly a great individual, and an even greater addition to the city of Atlanta. Thank you John Smoltz, for giving so much.
By 1eyedJack
April 23, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
John Smoltz is simply a stud and it’s good that you recognize it.
By BigBravesGirl
April 23, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Smoltz: The epitome of Class
By JodyGoody
April 23, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Your column was the greatest!! John Smoltz is the greatest, along with being the most humble. My only regret is that I am in NYState right now and they are unable to get the Braves games so I didn’t see John’s wonderful accomplishment. Kudos to John and the Braves. Love ya.
By Gene
April 23, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
The other aspect of Smoltz, not mentioned in the article, is his committment to the community. I remember a few years ago, when some of the Braves were hanging out at the Gold Club, Smoltz was visiting the Veterans’ Hospital. Maybe Smoltzie should run for office when his playing days are over.
By john hoar
April 23, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
“Even so, greatness never loses.” Classic and memorable. Thanks for your tribute.
By jeffc
April 23, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
When he hangs up the cleats he better become the Braves manager.
By Skeezix
April 23, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
I am a long time Braves fan and have often told my wife as Smoltz takes the mound—-honey, we are going to get to watch one of the greats in baseball history pitch. She cried when he reached 3000 and I must admit to getting a bit choked up ….He is guts and class personified.
By Sambo
April 23, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
John Smoltz = Class Act
Terence, suprised you could not find a way to play the race card in this story.
By Carol
April 23, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Congratulations John Smoltz!!! You are what greatness is all about! You and and have always been a CLASS ACT! Even thru the rough and tough times, you ALWAYS came out on TOP!! You are THE BEST!! No one deserves it more! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
By CRM
April 23, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
One thing that keeps being overlooked when we talk about John Smoltz is his contribution to the Braves over the past 20 years as a true leader. The most effective leaders will all tell you that to lead by example is the Holy Grail. Who sets a better example than John Smoltz? ‘Nuff said!
By Keith Strawn
April 23, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
Maybe one of the five best big-game pitchers ever.
By Ronald
April 23, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
John Smoltz is the greast pitcher the Brave have had in quite sometime with all he been throught and still coming back and doing a greast job it show how much he knows how to I wish he can show the Braves Bull pen seeing them make you sick or you need to blame the pitching coach or Bobbt Cox for not demanding that they know their job and what are expected of them
By hop
April 23, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
JOHN SMOLTZ ,THE GREATEST BRAVE OF ALL TIME! THE MAN HAS BEEN THROUGH HELL,BUT NEVER COMPLAIN OR MAKE EXCUSES!
HE TRULY A VERY SPECIAL PERSON WITH GREAT CHARACTER,DETERMINATION, CLASS AND ONE GREAT ATHLETE!