Top 5 Atlanta Braves Pitchers
By Joeli Poole
John Smoltz (1988-2004,2550-2008)
John Smoltz was drafted by the Detroit tigers in 1985 and was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 1987 in the place of 36 year old veteran, Doyle Alexander. Smoltz was with the Braves for 20 years as a pitcher but spent his last few as a closer, due to a injury that required Tommy John surgery.
His incredible pitching include one dominant trio: a fastball, a slider that directed away from a right-handed batter, and a splitter that shot under the swing of left-handed batters. He finished his MLB career with a 213-155 record, 3,084 strikeouts, and a 3.33 ERA. During his career he accumulated a Silver-Slugger award, the Cy Young award, was an eight-time All Star, the National League Rolaids Relief Man of the Year award, and also a World Series Championship.