Starting and Closing by John Smoltz

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Synopsis

Cy Young Award-winner, future Hall of Famer, and one of the best-loved men in Atlanta Braves history offers a no-holds-barred look at his life, his career, and the game he loves in an era-defining book with the insight of the bestselling Moneyball and the inspirational faith of Through My Eyes Starting and Closing . . . and Everything In-Between tells the story of John Smoltz's incredible twenty-two-year career in professional baseball, encapsulated in his... more

Cy Young Award-winner, future Hall of Famer, and one of the best-loved men in Atlanta Braves history offers a no-holds-barred look at his life, his career, and the game he loves in an era-defining book with the insight of the bestselling Moneyball and the inspirational faith of Through My Eyes Starting and Closing . . . and Everything In-Between tells the story of John Smoltz's incredible twenty-two-year career in professional baseball, encapsulated in his final season. With unflinching honesty, he takes us on his unprecedented journey from starting pitcher, to closer, and miraculously back to the starting rotation-all while battling and overcoming the kind of "career-ending" injuries that have sidelined many other players. One of the most intelligent, talented, and passionate players in the game, Smoltz doesn't hold back the heat, tossing out insights about the game and his experiences, including the strengths and weaknesses of a Braves team that won fourteen straight division titles yet only one World Series. He reveals what it took to defy the skeptics and rebuild his career; what it's like to be sent out to the pasture known as the bullpen, why he turned down a highly lucrative offer to become a New York Yankee, and how it felt pitching that last game as a St. Louis Cardinal. On the surface, Smoltz's life seems like a fairytale story. But beyond the money and fame is the true tale of aches and pains, of a man sacrificing his body for more than two decades, putting his team first even when management didn't always return the favor, failing a marriage, and staying true to his values and his faith. Starting and Closing . . . and Everything In-Between is Smoltz's remarkable story in his own words, filled with insider's glimpses, personal stories, and the inspirational message of a man who refused to give up on his dream. less

About John Smoltz

John Smoltz is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher and active sportscaster. He is best known for his prolific career of more than two decades with... more

John Smoltz is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher and active sportscaster. He is best known for his prolific career of more than two decades with the Atlanta Braves, in which he garnered eight All-Star selections and received the Cy Young Award in 1996. Though predominantly known as a starting pitcher, Smoltz was converted to a reliever in 2001, following his recovery from Tommy John surgery, and spent four years as the team's closer before returning to a starting role. In 2002 he became only the second pitcher in history to have had both a twenty-win season and a fifty-save season (the other being Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley). He is the only pitcher in major league history to top both 200 wins and 150 saves. He became the 16th member of the 3,000 strikeout club on April 22, 2008 when he fanned Felipe Lopez of the Washington Nationals in the third inning in Atlanta. He is currently the Chairman of Kings Ridge Christian School in Atlanta and is a scratch golfer (Tiger Woods has said Smoltz is the best golfer outside the PGA tour). He lives in Atlanta with his family. less