1987: John Smoltz is acquired in trade with Detroit for Doyle Alexander.

1991: Smoltz consults Jack Llewelyn, a sports psychologist, after one of his worst starts ever — 2 wins, 11 losses and an ERA of 5.16. He was 8-1 and an ERA. of 1.49 over his final 13 starts.

1992: Smoltz wins a career-high 15 games, and became the first Braves' hurler to lead the NL in strikeouts (215) since Phil Niekro in 1977.

1993: The first John Smoltz Baseball Camp was held at the Atlanta Jewish Community Center, Peachtree branch. 150 children spent the week learning all aspects of the game from Smoltz and top high school and college coaches.

1994: Hosts the first of what will become an annual golf tournament (now called the John Smoltz Celebrity Pro-AM) to benefit the Scottish Rite Children's Medical Center child care fund.

1994: Smoltz has surgery after the season to remove a bone spur from his right elbow.

1996: After losing his opening start, Smoltz goes 14-0 with a 1.83 ERA over his next 15 games. He wins his only Cy Young award.

1997: Smoltz begins hosting two "Strike Out Hunger" food drives at Turner Field to benefit the Atlanta Food Bank. The campaign has raised more than $350,000 and secured over 80,000 pounds of food.

1998: Smoltz donated $50 for every strikeout to Atlanta's Table, a project of the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

2000: Smoltz is lost for the season when he tears his right medial collateral ligament in spring training. He has Tommy John surgery.

2001: Smoltz battled arm problems the first half of the season. After two lengthy stints on the disabled list, he returned in late July and was used primarily as a reliever. He saved 10 games in 11 opportunities.

2002: Smoltz sets a National League single-season saves record with 55.

2005: Smoltz gives up seven runs in 1 2/3 innings of his first start since 2001 after serving 3 1/2 seasons as a closer.

2005: Smoltz is recognized for his philanthropy with Major League Baseball's prestigious Roberto Clemente Award.

2005: Smoltz sells his autograph for 20 cans of food to benefit the Atlanta Food Bank. The line wraps around the stadium.

2006: Smoltz ties for the National League leading pitcher with 16 wins.

March 29, 2008: Smoltz begins the 2008 season on the DL after his shoulder got inflamed late in spring training.

April 22, 2008: Smoltz joins the 3,000 strikeout club – one of only 16 members. He strikes out Felipe Lopez of the Washington Nationals for the mark.

April 27, 2008: Smoltz was placed on the disabled list after being diagnosed with an inflamed rotator cuff in his shoulder and a severely inflamed right biceps tendon. Dr. James Andrews said that shoulder surgery was not necessary. Smoltz received a cortisone injection and was told to rest.

June 2 ,2008: Smoltz is activated from the 15-day disabled list. He pitches in the ninth inning giving up three hits and two runs in his first game off the DL.

Sources: Atlanta Braves, Major League Baseball, news reports

— Sharon Gaus