MLB History: Top 100 Players in Baseball History (80-71)
By David Hill
80. Tom Glavine
Tom Glavine had to make a choice as to whether or not he would pursue a career in baseball or the NHL, as the Los Angeles Kings drafted him with the 69th overall pick. In the end, Glavine chose baseball, and the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets are glad that he did.
A changeup artist, Glavine was not going to overpower the opposition. Instead, he relied upon his ability to change speed and command his pitches, using his repertoire to win twenty or more games five different times. He made ten All-Star Games, won two Cy Young awards and finished in the top three on four other occasions, and even proved his value with the bat, winning four Silver Slugger awards.
In his career, Glavine posted a 305-203 record with a 3.54 ERA and a 1.314 WHiP. His 2,607 strikeouts are 24th on the all time list, and Glavine ranks 28th in WAR for pitchers. Glavine also helped himself in the field, where, despite never winning a Gold Glove, he had six seasons without making an error.
Glavine was also a part of the Big Three in Altanta, helping to turn the Braves into a dynasty. Along with John Smoltz and the free agent signing of Greg Maddux, he helped turn a moribund franchise into a dynasty during the 1990’s. His impact upon Atlanta baseball cannot be understated.
One of the best pitchers of the 1990’s, Tom Glavine helped bring the Braves back to prominence. In doing so, he carved his way into baseball’s history books.
Next: A forgotten star