Congratulations should go out to John Smoltz this morning. Smoltz joined a pretty exclusive club last night by getting his 3000th strikeout in the 3rd inning against the Washington Nationals’ Felipe Lopez.
Smoltz is a testament to what a real sports figure should be. Over a career that spans 20 seasons, he has played with one team.
ONE TEAM!
The way players are only interested in money, or rings, or trophies, Smoltz has accomplished everything short of an MVP - though there were times throughout his career he was the Braves MVP.
Way to go to John Smoltz and his great career with the Atlanta Braves.
Some interesting facts about the 3,000 strikeout club:
There are only two lefties in the club, and both have over 4,000 strikeouts - Randy Johnson (4,629) and Steve Carlton (4,136).
As of 4/23/08, Baseball Reference considers six of the sixteen pitchers in the 3,000 strikeout club to still be “active” - Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux, Curt Schilling, Pedro Martinez, and Smoltz - although Clemens might still be in court.
The next two pitchers that have a shot at the 3,000 strikeout club are 31 year old Javier Vazquez (1842) and 29 year old Johan Santana (1409). As long as both stay healthy they have a shot at it. Santana would be the third lefty.
Once again, good for John Smoltz and the Atlanta Braves organization.
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