John Smoltz honoured as his number 29 jersey is retired - MLB Update
The Atlanta Braves shower pride on John Smoltz by retiring his number 29 jersey. The announcement came as a surprise for the right hand-pitcher, who has been the Braves’ premier thrower for years.
He was visibly honoured by the expression on his face as he was obviously emotional.
Getting the jersey number fixated for all the years is a befitting return to services Smoltz rendered for the Braves. Hey days the Braves had in their history, featured Smoltz as a significant component in the rotation.
He was part and parcel of the streak of Division Championships, enjoyed by the Braves over a number of years.
Not just as starter, Smoltz served the Braves as a reliever and had been equally successful. As a reliever, he has recorded 154 saves in career.
There are hardly many pitchers in the history of baseball who have been tremendous both as starter and reliever. Smoltz can take pride for having a peculiar position in this regard.
Next few days are going to be emotion-packed for Smoltz. A sense of achievement will do the rounds on his mind and will make him feel satisfied over years of endurance he put up in the field of baseball.
Time that Smoltz has spent with the Braves is a best time of his life. For him, the Braves are more than just a club.
"The greatest ride of my life, and I thank you. There was no place I'd rather be than on that mound for 20 years," he said.
Smoltz had never thought that he will go that far in his career. For a moment, he was disbelieving, on being honoured in such a manner. Becoming a Hall of Famer with the Braves is enviable distinction, something every baseball player craves for. Smoltz feels
lucky to have achieved it.
"Honestly, I thought I was going to lose it when I started talking about playing for the jersey," Smoltz said. "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."
The way Braves crowned Smoltz and acknowledged his services, as youngsters can take inspiration from it. In particular, the players who have been drafted recently will be aiming to reach a similar milestone.
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