John Smoltz…Starting and Closing

No bombshells, but new book reveals a few secrets about Braves' future Hall of Famer

 While many athletes are content with one successful career in professional sports, very few are willing or talented enough to go for two. But then not every athlete is John Smoltz. No, he’s not going to become another Deion Sanders and slip on a Falcons' uniform. Nor will he attempt to impress Larry Drew with his three-point shot. But, about five years from now, don’t be surprised if you see the affable Smoltzie teeing off at a PGA Champions Tour event. The Champions Tour pits mostly of the PGA stars of the past (Hale Irwin, Fred Funk, J.C. Snead to mention just a few) in series of events throughout the year for some big prize money. It’s not for sissies, but Smoltzie seems up for the challenge. Of course that won’t be the first time John Smoltz has made a change and delivered. In late 2001, after a stellar career as a starting pitcher, he became the Braves' closer and for the next three years was one of the most dominant in the game.                                                    

John Smoltz spoke to the Atlanta Press Club last Monday, promoting his new book, Starting and Closing, which is more about him than about baseball—though the two will be forever intertwined. He reaffirmed statements he had made earlier about taking his scratch golf game to the next level, but he also sprung a few other surprises on the audience of more than 100.

Frosty Relationship

For one, he discussed his frosty relationship with Braves General Manager (now president) John Schuerholz. He said he was brought in under Bobby Cox regime as general manager and the change to Schuerolz altered the negotiating dynamic. As he says in the book, “It’s safe to say we didn’t talk very much, but it’s not like we despised each other. Really, for the most part, our relationship was non-existent if we were not negotiating contract; he did his thing and I did mine. “

Schuerholz was also instrumental in setting up Smoltz with sports psychologist Jack Llewellyn, a story which the pitcher said was “blown way out of proportion.” Smoltz admits to seeing Llewellyn a few times and that the psychologist did help him by suggesting he create a highlight tape of his best moments that could be referred to when he was having problems. Smoltz said the technique worked and “helped him get the wheels back on track.” But despite all the press it received, there wasn’t anything more to the story than that.

After Atlanta 

Smoltz did not finish his career in Atlanta as he had hoped. After turning 40, he was peddled to Boston, where he said, “…it’s safe to say that I found myself disoriented and out of my comfort zone in so many ways…” His numbers reflected his discomfort. He made eight starts with the Red Sox in 2009, going 2-5 with an 8.32 ERA. The final chapter in his career came with the St. Louis Cardinals. After being released by Boston he was picked up by the Cardinals for their stretch run, one which resulted in one more playoff appearance for John Smoltz. Smoltzie did well striking out five in two-innings of relief, but the Cardinals fell in three to the Los Angeles Dodgers.  “Losing is certainly a bummer," said Smoltz in his new book, "but there was enormous satisfaction in simply proving I still had it. I had been able to deliver in the moment again…”

Today Smoltz is a busy as ever. He has started a school, The Kings Ridge Christian School, plays tennis and racquetball in addition to golf and also does commentary for the MLB Network.

The Perfect Pitcher

At the conclusion of last week’s Press Club session I asked Smoltz to identify the main ingredient he would be looking for in the ideal pitching prospect. He said simply “heart. A lot of guys have talent,” noted Smoltzie, “but you gotta want to be the guy. You’ve got to be the guy who’s willing to lay it on the line.”

In other words you''ve got to be a guy like John Smoltz.

Quick takes…There’s a lot of humor in Smoltz book as well. Check out the story about Greg Maddux inability to remember names, and what Smoltzie did to liven up the clubhouse…The Celtics are looking older by the day…I think the rash of injuries toward the end of the season in the NBA is the result of the shortened season and the number of injuries in baseball, particularly muscle pulls, are the result of poor conditioning. Players will loosen up before games and spend hours working on technique (batting cage, etc.), but stretching and strengthening of muscles is taken much more casually. Just my view.