John Smoltz To Retire?

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Written by Colin on June 4, 2008 – 10:37 am

John Smoltz is going back under the knife for season-ending shoulder surgery. It may also force him to retire.

After being on the DL for five weeks and coming back with a new arm slot to alleviative shoulder issues, Smoltz experienced significant soreness after a disappointing outing on Monday night.

The Braves have a press conference scheduled for 11:30 today and inside sources confirm that Smoltz is likely to retire in addition to announcing that his season is over.

More as it comes, but this could truly be a sad day in Braves history. Smoltz Retiring – I knew it’d come someday but I didn’t want it to be this soon.

Update: Season ending shoulder surgery is scheduled with James Andrews in Birmingham. Smoltz could be ready for next spring if he doesn’t retire. Smoltz says he fully intends to continue to pitch if he can.

Tags: John Smoltz, Retire, Retirement
Posted in Injuries, Speculation | Comments

329CommentsJohn+Smoltz+To+Retire%3F2008-06-04+14%3A37%3A50Colin to “John Smoltz To Retire?”

By Jonathan on Jun 4, 2008 | Reply

I’d say there’s a pretty good chance that we’ve seen the end of Smoltz’s career . . . sad to see but I’m glad I was at the game the other night
By Josh on Jun 4, 2008 | Reply

Say it aint so Smoltzie, Say it aint so…
I’m so glad i went and saw him for is 3000k game now. It looks like an end of a era.
very sad
By Colin on Jun 4, 2008 | Reply

This is huge. News story of the year for the Braves.

We’ll keep you guys updated. I’m so glad I saw #3000 and Monday’s appearance.

This is sad.
By Rebecca on Jun 4, 2008 | Reply

This is truly sad news. It’s my last day of school as a junior, it’s supposed to be great, but then I turn on my radio and hear this. It’s upsetting, but understandable. He had a great career and I really hate to [maybe] see him leave.
By Jonathan on Jun 4, 2008 | Reply

Well, I’m sitting here waiting for the press conference to start. I guess I can only be in denial for a little bit longer.
By Jonathan on Jun 4, 2008 | Reply

Frank’s talking now about John’s trips to the disabled list.
By Joe on Jun 4, 2008 | Reply

I can’t say I’m too upset. I genuinely respect what this great pitcher has done against my favorite team (mets).

He’s for sure a first ballot HOF in my book.

What a HOF class— Bonds, Clemons, Smoltz, Piazza
By Jonathan on Jun 4, 2008 | Reply

No retirement announcement from Smoltz. He says he’ll see how his appointment on Tuesday goes and the surgery.

He says he’ll pitch again should his shoulder and arm allow it.
By Akshay on Jun 4, 2008 | Reply

I personally don’t think we’ve seen the last of Smoltz. While shoulder surgery is less predictable than elbow surgery, I think Smoltz is a guy that still wants and has always defied the odds and what the “experts” say he can and cannot do. So, I think with a shoulder, maybe a year rehab? Smoltz has always been really physically healthy, so maybe even less.
By Sheryl on Jun 4, 2008 | Reply

I am hoping we haven’t seen the last of Smoltzie…If he can still pitch I believe he will-he loves the game too much. I do wish him the best and will definitely miss seeing him play; He is my all-time favorite brave player—on and off the field.
By Jonathan on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply

I'd say there's a pretty good chance that we've seen the end of Smoltz's career . . . sad to see but I'm glad I was at the game the other night
By Josh on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply

Say it aint so Smoltzie, Say it aint so…
I'm so glad i went and saw him for is 3000k game now. It looks like an end of a era.
very sad
By Colin on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply

This is huge. News story of the year for the Braves.

We'll keep you guys updated. I'm so glad I saw #3000 and Monday's appearance.

This is sad.
By Rebecca on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply

This is truly sad news. It's my last day of school as a junior, it's supposed to be great, but then I turn on my radio and hear this. It's upsetting, but understandable. He had a great career and I really hate to [maybe] see him leave.
By Jonathan on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply

Well, I'm sitting here waiting for the press conference to start. I guess I can only be in denial for a little bit longer.
By Jonathan on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply

Frank's talking now about John's trips to the disabled list.
By Joe on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply

I can't say I'm too upset. I genuinely respect what this great pitcher has done against my favorite team (mets).

He's for sure a first ballot HOF in my book.

What a HOF class— Bonds, Clemons, Smoltz, Piazza
By Jonathan on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply

No retirement announcement from Smoltz. He says he'll see how his appointment on Tuesday goes and the surgery.

He says he'll pitch again should his shoulder and arm allow it.
By Akshay on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply

I personally don't think we've seen the last of Smoltz. While shoulder surgery is less predictable than elbow surgery, I think Smoltz is a guy that still wants and has always defied the odds and what the "experts" say he can and cannot do. So, I think with a shoulder, maybe a year rehab? Smoltz has always been really physically healthy, so maybe even less.
By Sheryl on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply

I am hoping we haven't seen the last of Smoltzie…If he can still pitch I believe he will-he loves the game too much. I do wish him the best and will definitely miss seeing him play; He is my all-time favorite brave player—on and off the field.

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