John Smoltz
John Smoltz
John Smoltz is a first-ballot MLB Hall of Famer, eight-time All-Star and National League Cy Young Award winner. Additionally, he serves as FOX MLB’s lead game analyst.
He was born and raised in Warren, Michigan and was an All-State football and baseball player at Lansing Waverly High School. In 1984 he was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 22nd round of the draft.
Early Life and Education
Early childhood is of paramount importance. During this time, children’s brains develop rapidly and lay the foundations for all they will accomplish throughout their adult lives.
It is essential that children receive the right kind of educational experience and environment during this critical period in their development. That is why UNESCO has identified this time as one of the most crucial windows of opportunity for educational attainment.
At this age, children develop essential emotional skills like self-assurance, empathy and healthy risk-taking. These traits lay the foundations for later social-emotional and academic success.
Professional Career
John Smoltz is a first-ballot Hall of Famer and eight-time All-Star who led the Atlanta Braves to 14 National League division titles and five World Series. Additionally, he was part of their legendary starting rotation that included fellow Hall of Famers Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux.
Smoltz was originally selected in the 22nd round by the Detroit Tigers in 1985 and spent several years in the minors before being traded to Atlanta on August 12, 1987. He was exchanged for veteran pitcher Doyle Alexander.
Smoltz was a staple right-handed hurler for the Braves for many years, helping them win the 1996 National League pennant and cementing himself as one of baseball’s premier closers. That season he won 20 games and recorded an impressive 55 saves; unfortunately, Smoltz suffered from an elbow issue which required Tommy John surgery before the 2000 season began.
Achievements and Honors
Smoltz was one of baseball’s greatest pitchers, offering up 200 victories and 150 saves – an unprecedented combination. Additionally, he earned Cy Young and National League Championship Series MVP awards.
His journey to the Hall of Fame began on the baseball fields of Lansing, Michigan where he formed a pitching duo with Carl Wagner’s Lansing Fire Fighters traveling team and coached at St. Gerard Catholic School. When he relocated to Atlanta in 1991, Smoltz joined fellow Hall of Famers Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux in a dynasty that won 14 division titles and five National League pennants. The Braves twice advanced to the World Series during that period – Smoltz being instrumental in each trip.
Net Worth
John Smoltz is a retired Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher with an estimated net worth of $60 million. He currently works as both an active sportscaster and member of the Atlanta Braves.
He has spent 22 seasons with the Braves, becoming one of the most renowned and beloved players in MLB. His accolades include eight All-Star selections and being part of the 1996 Cy Young Award winning team.
He made his Major League debut in 1988 and since has amassed an ERA of 3.33 with 3,084 strikeouts and 213 wins to his credit. Additionally, he is renowned for both starting and relief pitching performances.