John Smoltz's career: Braves & MLB

Atlanta Braves

John Smoltz's career: Braves & MLB

John Smoltz had worn a Braves uniform since 1988. But he left Atlanta in 2009 for Boston and later for St. Louis. Now in 2010, rumors say he's a Mets target.

John Smoltz parted ways with the Braves in 2009 but later returned as a broadcaster. The veteran right-hander made several moves around the MLB after leaving Atlanta, but he is most remembered for the career highlights he achieved with the Braves, who will retire his number 29 jersey.

Smoltz broke in with the Braves in 1988.

First K: On July 23, 1988, John Smoltz struck out the Mets' Darryl Strawberry on this pitch in the seventh inning for his first major league strikeout. It was the beginning of a 20-year journey that would see Smoltz become only the third player to record 3,000 strikeouts while pitching for the same team.

First victory: Smoltz went on to win his debut that day at Shea Stadium, and received postgame congratulations from his manager, Russ Nixon. Smoltz's linescore in a 6-1 win over the Mets: 8 innings, 4 hits, 1 earned run, 1 walk and 2 strikeouts.

In one of most memorable moments in Braves' history, Smoltz and catcher Greg Olson embrace after Smoltz pitched a complete-game victory to clinch the National League West on Oct. 5, 1991. It was a worst-to-first season for the Braves, who had last made the playoffs in 1982.

Quick trivia: Who was the last pitcher to earn a win for the National League in the All-Star Game? Yep. Smoltz was the starting pitcher in the 1996 game, played in Philadelphia. He pitched two scoreless innings in a 6-0 victory, and the NL hasn't won since. He's been named to the All-Star team seven times.

The 1996 season was perhaps Smoltz's finest. He won the NL's Cy Young Award after leading the majors in wins and strikeouts. His record of 24-8 still stands as a Braves record for most victories in a season.

After undergoing major arm surgery in 2000, Smoltz made the transition from starting pitcher to closer. He made an immediate impact, becoming one of baseball's most dominant relievers. Catcher Henry Blanco congratulates Smoltz on Sept. 27, 2002, after the righthander closed out the Mets for his 54th save of the season, setting an NL record. He finished the 2002 season with 55, and followed that with 49 saves in 2003.

Smoltz shows off his scar following offseason elbow surgery in February 2004. Smoltz spent five weeks on the disabled list in 2008.

No. 3,000! Smoltz reacts after fanning Washington's Felipe Lopez on April 22 at Turner Field.

He ended his career with a record of of 213-155 with a 3.33 ERA and 3,084 strikeouts.

In January 2009, Smoltz signed a one-year deal with Boston.

After being released from the Red Sox, Smoltz signed with St. Louis on August 19, 2009. With the Cardinals, he posted a 1-3 record with an ERA of 4.26, pitching 2 full innings in Game 3 of the NLDS. In November 2009, Smoltz filed for free agency. After receiving no offers, Smoltz joined the Braves broadcast booth for the 2010 season as an analyst.

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John Smoltz parted ways with the Braves in 2009 but later returned as a broadcaster. The veteran right-hander made several moves around the MLB after leaving Atlanta, but he is most remembered for the career highlights he achieved with the Braves, who will retire his number 29 jersey.

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