Indeed Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz are together again, but this time they are somewhat looking over Turner Field. The three men so often heard in the same breath, now have their numbers hanging high above left field along side their longtime manager Bobby Cox. Maddux was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame in 2009, followed by Glavine in 2010, and Cox in 2011. Tonight, however was all about John Smoltz, who on the other hand looked at it in reverse.

Smoltz told CSS’s Chris Dimino before the ceremony that for him this was an opportunity to thank the people that made him who he was a player and who he is a person. His thank yous included family, coaches, teammates, but regretfully he ran out of time before specifically thanking ushers, vendors, security, and all park staff. He did not run out of time on the fans. The National League All-Time Post-Season Wins leader thanked them first. He was especially grateful, for them allowing him to throw eight straight balls in the playoffs.

Braves fans have a deep love for Smoltzy, and their reasons go beyond his 213 wins and 150 saves. (No other pitcher has ever done so.) Matt Diaz spoke in Chipper Jones absence, and said that Smoltz was the prime example of playing for the name on the front. In his 20 years in a Braves uniform, he compiled a record of 210-147, 3.26 ERA, and the most strike outs in post season history with 199. This combination of numbers has not been achieved because very few have the talent to pull off such a feat, but beyond that, few have the willingness to move so freely from their comfort zones. John Smoltz did because it was best for the team. ”That’s something I hope more people can take pride in, wearing a jersey. For some people it’s just a jersey. For me it was my life.”

In attendance for the celebration was Atlanta’s 1st round draft pick Luke Sims, who names John Smoltz as his favorite player and someone he tried to emulate. John would be happiest though if he saw him as a person of great character. The last in the list of thank yous went to team chaplains for helping becoming who he is as a person. John Smoltz, the person is loved as much if not more by Braves country. Smoltz did find the irony in the Braves opposing pitcher the night that celebrated his career with the Atlanta. Kyle Drabek, son of Doug Drabek and the man Smoltz faced in Game 1 and 7 in the 1992 NLCS, took the mound for the Blue Jays.

Braves Retired Numbers
Hank Aaron 44
Eddie Mathews 41
Dale Murphy 3
Phil Niekro 35
Warren Spahn 21
Greg Maddux 31
Tom Glavine 47
Bobby Cox 6
John Smoltz 29