Two Guys Sports
Bruce BostwickSmoltz Has His Shoulder Surgery
June 11th 2008 09:17
John Smoltz might be done as a pitcher.
Injured Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair the labrum in his right shoulder on Tuesday. According to the organization it could be months before he even knows if he will ever be able to pitch again. Smoltz had indicated that he would know right after the surgery if he would be able to carry on or be forced to call it a career, this just wasn’t the case unfortunately. They did not specify just how much work needed to be done, but manager Bobby Cox said prior to Tuesday night’s game against the Cubs, “They repaired a lot of damage.”
Smoltz has returned from four different surgeries on his elbow in the past, but at 41 he might not be so lucky. Even if he does have to retire he is most likely going to make the Hall of Fame. He is the only pitcher in Major League Baseball history to have 200 or more wins, and 150 or more saves. He was named the 1996 National League Cy Young award winner, and holds the records for most postseason wins (15) and strikeouts (194). He and Dennis Eckersley are the only pitchers in history to have had a 20 win season, and also have 40 or more saves in a season. They both actually had 50 save seasons. Smoltz had 55 in 2002, a National League record. He is also just one of 16 pitchers in history to have over 3,000 strikeouts, he broke that mark back in April and currently has 3,011. Cooperstown may call for him, but he is certainly not quite ready to go. He says he would be OK with it if he had no choice, but anyone who knows Smoltz knows he wants to keep playing.
I for one hope he makes it back. He has always been a great type of player, and person. Actually it is such a shame to see players like Smoltz, Tom Glavine, and Greg Maddux closing in on the end of their careers. Maybe Maddux can sign with the Braves next year, and get the three greats back together for one last tour around the league. Even if the old-timers have to share the games, like Glavine pitches 5 innings, Smoltz comes in for the last four and such. I know that won’t happen, but still it would be nice if they could all come together and retire together. Now that would be a Hall of Fame Class with an extreme amount of class.
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