Smoltz voted into Hall of Fame in first try
Published 4:07 pm Wednesday, January 7, 2015
ATLANTA (AP) — John Smoltz has completed a unique path to baseball’s Hall of Fame.
The right-hander, who flourished as a starter and closer for the Atlanta Braves, was elected Tuesday in his first try. Smoltz joins in the Hall former teammates Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, who were inducted last summer along with manager Bobby Cox.
The three pitchers led Atlanta to 14 straight postseason appearances but only one World Series title. Smoltz spent 12 seasons as a starter, winning the 1996 NL Cy Young, before five years as the Braves’ closer.
Smoltz is the only pitcher with at least 200 wins and 150 saves, finishing 213-155 with 154 saves.
He was picked on 455 ballots (82.9 percent). He will be joined at the July 26 induction ceremony in Cooperstown, New York, by Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and Craig Biggio.