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IL1 Gwinnett Stripers

Braves Legend John Smoltz to Appear at Coolray Field on May 25

May 17, 2012 - International League (IL1)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. - The Gwinnett Braves, in conjunction with the Gwinnett County Public Library have announced that legendary Atlanta Braves right-hander John Smoltz will appear at the home of the G-Braves, Coolray Field, on Friday, May 25. The former Braves starter and closer will be selling and autographing copies of his yet-to-be released book, aptly named Starting and Closing.

Smoltz, one of the greatest Major League pitchers of the late twentieth/early twenty-first century, was one of only two pitchers in baseball history to ever achieve twenty wins and fifty saves in single seasons (24 wins in 1996, 55 saves in 2002). Now he shares the candid, no-holds-barred story of his life, his career and the game he loves in Starting and Closing.

Starting and Closing chronicles John Smoltz's final season in a major league uniform, capping a legendary career that included fourteen years as part of one of the most dominant starting rotations in baseball, a Cy Young Award, and a World Series title-all while battling and overcoming "career-ending" injuries. At age 41, Smoltz was making yet another unlikely comeback from his fifth surgery. Recounting the story of a season that tested his perseverance and deepened his faith, Smoltz flashes back to watershed moments in the skeptic-defying journey from being one of the best starting pitchers of all time, to closer, to starter again.

One of the most intelligent, talented, and passionate players in the game, Smoltz delivers insights into modern major league baseball, its place in popular culture, and the value of competition. He writes with unflinching honesty about becoming a true Christian and finding in his beliefs the peace and strength to stay focused-through postseason triumphs and defeats, upheavals in his personal life, and the sting of being sent to the bullpen. What emerges is an inspirational story of spiritual growth and family values, from a man who believed not just in himself but in God's plan for him-and one more year.

During Gwinnett's 7:05 PM game against Rochester on Friday, May 25, fans can purchase a copy of Starting and Closing and receive a signed copy of the book. A portion of each book purchase goes back to the Gwinnett County Public Library. This is a book signing event only, Smoltz will not be signing memorabilia.

Tickets for May 25 and all other Gwinnett Braves home games are on sale now at the Coolray Field Box Office. Call (678) 277-0340 or visit gwinnettbraves.com for more information.

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