Georgia Senate Honors John Smoltz

Sen. Brandon Beach (R–Alpharetta), along with Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle and the other members of the Georgia Senate, honored long-time Atlanta Brave and recently elected Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz.

“It is my distinct honor to present my friend John Smoltz with Senate Resolution 154,” Beach said. “In his twenty-one year major league career, ‘Smoltzie’ proved to be one of the most dominant, versatile pitchers in Braves history as well as one of the most clutch in post-season play in all of baseball history. For his outstanding accomplishments on and off the baseball field, we are proud to recognize him for his work to his community and to the state of Georgia.

“I would like to take the time to thank the Lieutenant Governor and the Senate for this prestigious opportunity.” said Smoltz in an address to the Senate chamber. “This has been a very humbling year for me. I came to the Atlanta Braves organization in 1987 and have been here ever since. It’s been a privilege to wear the Atlanta Braves uniform, and I’m thankful for the platform they’ve given me to make an impact in the community.”

Smoltz played 21 seasons of Major League Baseball. In 20 years with the Atlanta Braves, he was named to eight All-Star games and won the National League Cy Young Award in 1996. Smoltz is the only pitcher in major league history to win 200+ games and save 150+. In total, he won 213 games, saved 154, struck out 3,084 and posted a career 3.33 earned run average (ERA).

Smoltz was selected as a Hall of Famer on his first year of eligibility. He will be inducted into the Hall of Fame along with Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, and Craig Biggio on July 26 in Cooperstown, New York.

Photo credit: Georgia Senate Press Office