Smoltz says goodbye Atlanta, hello Boston
Nic Smith
Issue date: 2/10/09 Section: Sports
By Nic Smith
Staff Writer
924184027@gsc.edu
Longtime Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz has decided to leave the city and the team he knows so well to play baseball for another stories major league franchise. The ageless wonder signed with the Boston Red Sox in early January.
The 41-year-old was drafted in the 22nd round by the Detroit Tigers in 1985. He then was traded as a minor league player to the Braves organization in 1987 and has played for only the Braves franchise sense. However after injuring his elbow last season, the Braves were unsure about re-signing Smoltz because of the risk that he may not return to his dominant self. So with the Braves not offering him a contract, Smoltz signed a one year contract with the Boston Red Sox for $ 5 million with $ 5 million more in possible incentives.
Smoltz had a large impact on the city of Atlanta and the fans. His Christian background made him a recognizable face for the Braves franchise.
When asked about what he will remember most about John Smoltz, Michael Osborn, a student at Georgia College & State University and die hard Braves fan, said, "I think I'll remember Smoltz mostly for his dominance in the postseason and his consistency," said Michael Osborn a GSCU Student.
"I think he'll do ok in Boston. He's not going to tear up the AL like he did the NL last year before he got hurt. I don't think Smoltz will be ready for the start of the season but even when he is ready I see Boston using him as a setup man for Papelbon instead of starting," said Osborn.
Smoltz holds the all time Braves strikeout record with over 3,000 of them. A lot of Braves fans will be forever grateful to Smoltz because of his historical career as a Brave.
"I hold nothing against Smoltz. He's still my favorite pitcher and I hope that he succeeds in Boston and wins another ring. I'll be cheering for him every time he plays and I'll still wear my Smoltz jersey," said Osborn.
The list of awards that John Smoltz has won during his career is very extensive. He earned eight All-Star appearances, one Cy Young Award, the NLCS MVP Award in 1992, led many seasons in strikeouts, wins, win percentage and saves. Smoltz also holds the Braves' record for most saves in a season and in a career and he is the only pitcher to have over 200 wins and over 150 saves. Smoltz won the Silver Slugger Award for Pitchers along with the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award and the Branch Rickey Award for his major contributions to the community.
Staff Writer
924184027@gsc.edu
Longtime Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz has decided to leave the city and the team he knows so well to play baseball for another stories major league franchise. The ageless wonder signed with the Boston Red Sox in early January.
The 41-year-old was drafted in the 22nd round by the Detroit Tigers in 1985. He then was traded as a minor league player to the Braves organization in 1987 and has played for only the Braves franchise sense. However after injuring his elbow last season, the Braves were unsure about re-signing Smoltz because of the risk that he may not return to his dominant self. So with the Braves not offering him a contract, Smoltz signed a one year contract with the Boston Red Sox for $ 5 million with $ 5 million more in possible incentives.
Smoltz had a large impact on the city of Atlanta and the fans. His Christian background made him a recognizable face for the Braves franchise.
When asked about what he will remember most about John Smoltz, Michael Osborn, a student at Georgia College & State University and die hard Braves fan, said, "I think I'll remember Smoltz mostly for his dominance in the postseason and his consistency," said Michael Osborn a GSCU Student.
"I think he'll do ok in Boston. He's not going to tear up the AL like he did the NL last year before he got hurt. I don't think Smoltz will be ready for the start of the season but even when he is ready I see Boston using him as a setup man for Papelbon instead of starting," said Osborn.
Smoltz holds the all time Braves strikeout record with over 3,000 of them. A lot of Braves fans will be forever grateful to Smoltz because of his historical career as a Brave.
"I hold nothing against Smoltz. He's still my favorite pitcher and I hope that he succeeds in Boston and wins another ring. I'll be cheering for him every time he plays and I'll still wear my Smoltz jersey," said Osborn.
The list of awards that John Smoltz has won during his career is very extensive. He earned eight All-Star appearances, one Cy Young Award, the NLCS MVP Award in 1992, led many seasons in strikeouts, wins, win percentage and saves. Smoltz also holds the Braves' record for most saves in a season and in a career and he is the only pitcher to have over 200 wins and over 150 saves. Smoltz won the Silver Slugger Award for Pitchers along with the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award and the Branch Rickey Award for his major contributions to the community.
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