John Smoltz Q&A: Braves Legend Shares Insights on Judge, Ohtani, and More
ATLANTA — As the MLB All-Star Game is set to take place on Tuesday in Atlanta, the spotlight will shine on not just one but two Braves stars on the field. Five-time All-Star Ronald Acuña Jr. will kick things off in left field, batting second, while three-time All-Star Matt Olson will come off the bench. Unfortunately, Chris Sale, who was voted in for the ninth time in his career, will not be playing due to a fractured rib cage. Adding to the excitement, eight-time All-Star and Hall of Famer John Smoltz will be part of the broadcast team for this highly anticipated event.
Having played 20 seasons with the Braves and still calling Georgia home, Smoltz will be providing commentary for his fourth consecutive All-Star Game alongside MLB on FOX play-by-play announcer Joe Davis.
Before the big game, we had the chance to catch up with Smoltz to discuss various topics, including the current All-Star he’d like to face and reminiscences about those iconic 1990s Braves teams.
Staying Connected with Old Teammates
How much do you keep in touch with your former Braves teammates from the ‘90s? 777 pub.ph
Smoltz: I stay in touch here and there through reunions and with everyone’s busy schedules. I’d say the reunions and the alumni efforts have done a great job of keeping us connected at certain events. Overall, it’s been pretty good.
Reunion Plans for the All-Star Game
Any reunion plans for the All-Star Game?
Smoltz: Not that I know of; I’m just really busy with my preparations for calling the game.
Life in Atlanta
Do you still live in Atlanta now? What feels like home for you?
Smoltz: I live about an hour away from the stadium in Northern Atlanta, specifically Alpharetta. It’s roughly an hour from the airport and 55 minutes from the stadium.
Connecting with the City
What’s it like being back in the city? Do any restaurants treat you to a meal? Do you feel your accomplishments still resonate in the city?
Smoltz: It’s pretty normal. Back when I was playing, there might have been some recognition here and there. Sometimes a fan may want to treat me to a meal or drink, but I’ve been here for 37 years. Once you get acclimated to the community, you need to be around the right demographic. Anyone who’s 27 and under probably doesn’t know what I did. jili 747 login
Why Georgia?
What made you decide to stay in Georgia?
Smoltz: I spent 21 years playing here and raised my family here; all my kids were born here. I enjoy the weather and the various activities available, especially golf. I feel a strong connection with several charities and organizations, and I believe I’ll be here for the rest of my life jili88 login.
Your Perfect Day in Atlanta
If you could describe your perfect day in Atlanta, what would it look like?
Smoltz: Just like in any city, it would be a day with no traffic. Atlanta has plenty to offer. Everyone is really polite and loves the Braves. I enjoy the seasonal changes and prefer the heat to the cold. I like living outside the hustle and bustle, spending time at my golf course, and hanging out with my grandkids. jili jili 777
Old Friends in the Area
Are many of your former teammates from those ’90s teams still in the area?
Smoltz: Atlanta has been home to many athletes across various sports 55bmw login casino. I would say that around seven to nine of my former teammates still live here. Many have made this their home. I was advised long ago not to live where you play, but rather where you want to live — and that’s exactly what I did. Fortunately, I only had to switch teams once in my career, which has allowed me to enjoy the consistency of my life here.
Facing Today’s Stars
If you could face one player in the All-Star Game at your prime, who would it be and how would you approach it?
Smoltz: I would love to face Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani — two of the best players in the game. Aaron Judge today is much different from the player he was two years ago, so I would have my hands full. The pitches that would tempt him two years ago wouldn’t work now, which is what makes him elite. It would be a fantastic challenge. As for Ohtani, the key would be keeping him off base and preventing him from stealing. I’d have to push him to chase pitches while keeping the ball in the park since he’s capable of hitting it anywhere.
Changes to the All-Star Game
We’ve seen some players, particularly pitchers, opting out of the All-Star Game after pitching late in the week. Would you propose any changes to this situation?
Smoltz: There are definitely several things I would like to change. For starters, I believe the All-Star break should be extended to reward the players with more rest. This could enhance participation rates. Given the current high injury rates, concerns over injuries have become prevalent, and some players are understandably looking out for their interests. I believe that the game should essentially have a week off — it should completely own that week. Additionally, I think we should consider moving the All-Star Game to a World vs. USA format. If that ever happens — and I know the challenges, especially in relation to the World Baseball Classic — it would encourage more players to represent their countries.
Braves’ Season Outlook
Considering the Braves’ rocky first half of the season, do you think they have a chance to bounce back, or is this a lost season due to pitching injuries?
Smoltz: They’ve pulled off miracles in the past. If they manage to come back this season, it would be an unbelievable feat considering how significant the pitching injuries are. Their offense has been too inconsistent to cover for the pitching issues. It’s unfortunate; with high expectations heading into the season, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong. Other teams have had similar struggles but were able to capitalize on their opportunities. However, with strong competition from the Phillies and the Mets, turning the season around will be incredibly challenging — even greater than their previous come-from-behind victories.
What do you think of John Smoltz’s insights on the current MLB landscape?
