John Smoltz was drafted in the 22nd round and the 574th overall selection of the 1985 amateur draft. Before his debut, Smoltz developed in the Detroit farm system for a few years until August 12, 1987 when he was traded to the Atlanta Braves. In 1989, Smoltz had the first of what would be many exceptional seasons at the Major League level. In 29 starts, he recorded a 12-11 record and 2.94 ERA while pitching 208 innings. 

Smoltz made his first of many postseason appearances in 1991. He pitched a complete game shutout in the 7th game of the 1991 National League Championship Series, propelling the Atlanta Braves to their first World Series ever.  The next year, Smoltz was the MVP of the 1992 National League Championship Series, winning two games and also keeping them in the 7th game, which the Braves eventually won in dramatic fashion. Over his postseason career, he has a 12-4 record and 2.72 ERA as a starter (14-4 overall). The Braves won the World Series in 1995.

Smoltz's best personal year came in 1996, when he went 24?8 with a 2.94 ERA and 276 strikeouts. He won the National League Cy Young with 26 of the 28 first-place votes.  Over his career, Smoltz was an eight time All-Star and a receipient of the Silver Slugger Award (1997), the Roberto Clemente award (2005), and the NL Rolaids Relief Man of the Year (2002).

Smoltz made his debut in baseball commentator in 2010.  He has been an analyst for the Braves, MLB Network, and TBS Baseball. Smoltz has also served as the Chairman of the Board at Alphraretta-based King's Ridge Christian School.