Alright, so today I’m gonna yap about something that’s been on my mind lately: the legendary Atlanta Braves pitchers from the 90s. You know, back when baseball was, like, actually good.
It all started when I was digging through some old baseball cards, trying to relive my glory days (which, let’s be honest, were mostly just spent watching other people play). I stumbled upon a few cards of Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz – boom, instant nostalgia. That got me thinking about just how dominant those guys were, and I figured, hey, why not do a deep dive and share my findings?
First things first, The Big Three. Gotta give credit where credit is due. These guys were the heart and soul of the Braves’ pitching staff for almost a decade. I remember watching them week after week, just mowing down hitters. It was insane. So, I started digging into their individual stats.
- Greg Maddux: What can I say about Maddux? Dude was a magician on the mound. His control was unbelievable. I watched a bunch of old games and highlights on Youtube, focusing on his pitch placement. Like, how did he throw it exactly where he wanted, every time? It’s mind-blowing.
- Tom Glavine: Glavine was the crafty lefty. He didn’t have the same raw power as Maddux or Smoltz, but he knew how to pitch. He was a master of changing speeds and keeping hitters off balance. I spent some time looking at his career splits, noticing how he adapted his game as he got older. Smart pitcher, that guy.
- John Smoltz: Smoltz, the power guy. He could bring the heat, no doubt about it. But he was also more than just a fastball pitcher. He had a nasty slider and a good curveball. I watched a few interviews with him, learning about his approach to the game and how he prepared for each start.
But it wasn’t just about individual brilliance. It was about how these three guys worked together. They fed off each other, pushed each other, and made each other better. Remember watching them battle for Cy Young awards (and often winning)? They elevated the whole team. I recall looking up their combined stats, wins, ERA, strikeouts – all ridiculous. No wonder the Braves were so good back then.
Of course, you can’t forget about Steve Avery. He was the “fourth” guy in that rotation for a while, and he had some great years too. Watched some games where he was just unhittable. He deserves some love too when talking about those Braves pitching staffs.
So, that’s my little trip down memory lane. Those Atlanta Braves pitchers from the 90s were something special. They were a joy to watch, and they made me a lifelong baseball fan. I learned a lot about pitching, teamwork, and the importance of consistency from watching them. I spent a solid day just watching highlights and reading articles, and honestly, it was time well spent. It’s a reminder of why I love the game.
