Atlanta Braves: The 4 players who are on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore

The Legendary Trio: John Smoltz, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine

John Smoltz – SP/RP – (1988-2008)

Greg Maddux – SP – (1993-2003)

Tom Glavine – SP – (1987-2002, 2008)

The Atlanta Braves’ success in the 1990s can be attributed, in large part, to the trio of pitchers named John Smoltz, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. These three legendary hurlers formed the backbone of one of the most dominant pitching staffs in baseball history, collectively earning multiple Cy Young awards and leading the Braves to multiple World Series appearances.

Smoltz, known for his versatility as both a starter and a closer, showcased his skills on the mound throughout his 21-year career. With an ERA of 3.26 and 3,011 strikeouts during his 20-year career with Atlanta, Smoltz played a crucial role in the Braves’ success. His ability to consistently deliver under pressure and his fierce competitiveness made him a fan favorite.

Maddux, renowned for his pinpoint control and exceptional command, mesmerized hitters with his precise pitching. With an impressive career ERA of 3.16 and 355 wins, Maddux exemplified excellence on the mound. His ability to manipulate the ball’s movement and location was unparalleled, earning him four Cy Young awards and a reputation as one of the greatest pitchers of all time.

Glavine, a crafty left-hander, complemented his fellow pitching counterparts with his own brand of finesse. With a career ERA of 3.54 and two Cy Young awards, Glavine consistently performed at a high level. His ability to navigate through lineups with his deceptive changeup and strategic pitch selection made him a formidable force on the mound.

Although it’s challenging to choose just one of these three remarkable pitchers for the Atlanta Braves’ Mount Rushmore, we must narrow it down to just two. In this case, Maddux’s unparalleled command and dominance on the mound make him the ideal choice. Lastly, Smoltz edges out Glavine due to his dominance as a starter and a closer.