Is this the end for Smoltz?

Though it wasn’t technically a retirement press conference, it sure sounded like one for Atlanta’s John Smoltz on Wednesday.

A press conference was called to announce that the 41-year-old Smoltz would have season-ending shoulder surgery. But reading some of the quotes, all taken from the Associated Press story, it sounded more like Smoltz and the Braves are preparing for the end of a brilliant career.

“This is a sad day for us in many ways,” Braves general manager Frank Wren said. “We don’t know the outcome of the surgery, whether it will allow him to come back and pitch, or just allow him to go on with his life.”

“I’ve pulled off a lot of miracles,” Smoltz said. “I probably shouldn’t have played this long. I’m looking forward to seeing if I can extend it.”

Smoltz is the only pitcher in baseball history with at least 200 wins and 150 saves. He was a dominant starting pitcher during the Braves reign over the National League in the 1990’s until surgery turned him into a closer in 2000. All Smoltz did was set a National League record for saves with 55 in 2002 and compile 154 total.

Eventually, Smoltz came back as a starter and reached another milestone earlier this season when he surpassed 3,000 strikeouts.

This surgery isn’t necessarily about baseball so much as it is about the rest of Smoltz’s life. Smoltz said everyday activities such as playing with his children or doing things around the house have been difficult since his shoulder pain intensified.

“We’re talking about enjoying life a little bit more than I’ve been able to enjoy it,” he said. “It’s very difficult. A shoulder is like a lower back problem; it puts you in a pretty bad mood. You use your shoulder for everything.”

Regardless of whether you like the Braves or not – and most Pittsburgh fans do not because of the playoff losses in 1991 and 1992, you have to respect Smoltz as a pitcher. The guy is a first ballot Hall of Famer and it would be a shame if he can’t go out on his own terms. Even if he can’t return, he has nothing to be sad about and should be proud of a wonderful career.