Constant

Some things in this world are permanent. No matter what happens, outside of an act of God, the sun will rise, the moon will orbit the earth, the ocean will turn its waves onto beaches around the world, and John Smoltz will pitch for the Altlanta Braves.

Yes, another Atlanta Braves season began with their beloved warrior of almost 20 years as their opening day starting pitcher.

You don't understand. For me, John Smoltz pitching for the Braves is a constant! It's a fact. A universal law of the universe. At 25 years of age, I don't know life without Smoltzy climbing the red hill, grabbin the rosen bag, and being absolutely nails.

40.

One more climb to the top of baseball's control panel. The ultimate quarterback...control freak, gamer, baller, hard ass- call it what you like. Smoltzy.

I'll never forget the 1991 World Series. Although the late Kirby Puckett and Jack Morris' gutsy performance would break my 10 year old heart, I took one thing away from those moments...John Smoltz is my favorite baseball player...ever.

I dunno, maybe it's his dorky pants that don't go all the way to his shoes. Perhaps its seeing him without his hat and that bald dome shining proud. Or maybe it's because when the team needed a closer in 2002, he went to the bullpen because they asked him to, and saved the most games by a reliever in a single season (55).

Maybe its about loyalty. Maybe its about winning over 200 games, or just being a great interview. For having personality and the guts to say something in the modern Tiger Woods/Michael Jordan era where endorsement deals determine what you say, and what you don't say.

You know what Smoltz endorses? Home Depot and the Atlanta Braves- thats it.

So on a beautiful sunny day in Philadelphia, John Smoltz climbed Carlton's hill, gave his famous glaring stare towards home plate, and fired strike one...again.

6 innings. 7 strikeouts. 1 win.

Here's to permenance. Here's to my "Dan Marino". Here's to showing up and doing your job day in and day out.

Smoltzy.

A living legend. A bald magician. A sports freak.

Raise your glasses to John Smoltz.