Photos: John Smoltz through the years

Atlanta Braves

Photos: John Smoltz through the years

Future Hall of Famer John Smoltz played 21 years in the majors with the Braves, Red Sox and Cardinals. The eight-time All-Star is the only pitcher in major league history to top both 200 wins and 150 saves.

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

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.

Atlanta Braves catcher Greg Olson jumps in the arms of Braves' pitcher John Smoltz as the Braves celebrate their division-clinching NL West victory on Saturday, Oct. 5, 1991 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Joe Marquette)

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher John Smoltz (29) hurls against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning Wednesday in game four of the World Series in Atlanta, Otober 23, 1991. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

Atlanta pitcher John Smoltz holds a champagne soaked National League Championship Series MVP trophy following the Braves 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in Atlanta, Oct. 15, 1992. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

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.

Braves pitcher John Smoltz has jovial a exchange with WXIA-TV's Brenda Wood (second from right) as they prepare trimmings.

Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz pitching a rehab assignment for the AA Mississippi Braves throws to a batter during a minor league baseball game against the Tennessee Smokies Saturday, May 24, 2008 in Kodak, Tenn. Smokies won 3-2. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

John Smoltz pitched a no-hitter through the seventh inning. The first batter in the eighth, Ronnie Belliard, broke up the no-no with a single to right.

John Smoltz worked on a no-hitter into the 8th inning Friday against the Nationals. Working with a six-run lead, the veteran pitcher had recorded 10 strikeouts and two walks before giving a hit to lead off the eighth.

** FILE ** This June 4, 2008 file photo shows Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz speaking during a news conference about season-ending shoulder surgery as Braves manager Bobby Cox looks on, in Atlanta. Smoltz has reached a preliminary agreement on a contract with the Boston Red Sox, a stunning end to his long career with the Atlanta Braves. The deal was expected to be finalized later Thursday Jan. 8, 2009. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

"It's a sad day for us in a lot of ways," general manager Frank Wren (right) said Wednesday, "because we don't know the outcome of the surgery."

Braves pitcher John Smoltz made his first start of season Sunday at Turner Field. He threw 78 pitches in five innings of shoutout baseball. Smoltz (1-0) allowed only two hits and two walks against East division rivals the New York Mets.

Will this be the last time we see John Smoltz on the mound at Turner Field? Smoltz pitched one inning of relief against Florida on Monday.

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 can begin light throwing in four months but during the June 25 youth camp, he enjoys his role as coach and scout for future Braves talent. Tommy Rankin, 8, appears in fine form under Smoltzie's watchful eye.

One of Smoltz's chief duties in rehab is schooling the Braves' ever-expanding cadre of young pitchers. And there are clearly many eager hopefuls waiting in the wings around town.

John Smoltz returned the mound in Georgia. But he pitched for the Boston Red Sox's Class A affiliate Greenville in their game against the Augusta GreenJackets.

Smoltz visited with Jeff Francoeur before Friday's game.

Boston Red Sox starter John Smoltz delivers a pitch during the second inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

St. Louis Cardinals starter John Smoltz (30) in action against the Cincinnati Reds in a baseball game, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)

Former Braves pitcher John Smoltz competes in the U.S. open golf qualifier at the Marietta Country Club Monday.

Success at the sectional would land the current Braves broadcaster in the U.S. Open in Pebble Beach in mid-June.

Smoltz has a word with caddy and friend Josh Arieh.

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

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