Wig-wearing Smoltz joins Maddux, Glavine in Cooperstown; talks Tommy John 'epidemic'

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. - John Smoltz is a medical miracle. He said so himself.

The right-hander, who starred for the Atlanta Braves during three different decades, was enshrined into Baseball's Hall of Fame on Sunday. He joins two other pitchers from those great Atlanta teams who were entered into the Hall last year - Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine.

Smoltz, who wore a wig during his speech while reminiscing about his playing days in Atlanta, used the podium to thank his teammates, competitors, and raise awareness of the increasing concern regarding young pitchers' elbows.

"It's an epidemic," Smoltz said about Tommy John surgery. "It's something that's affecting our game. I want to encourage the families and parents out there that this is something that isn't normal to have a surgery at 14 or 15 years old."

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

Smoltz was a starter and reliever during his 21-year career. He finished with a record of 213-155, adding 154 saves, 3,084 strikeouts, and a 3.33 ERA. He won 14 or more games 10 times and twice led the National League in wins (1996 and 2006), innings pitched (1996 and 1997) and strikeouts (1992 and 1996).

Smoltz also showered praise on former manager Bobby Cox.

"Bobby Cox is every single thing to me on why I'm standing here today," he said.

The Detroit, Mich., native is the only man to make the Hall after having Tommy John surgery. Smoltz also is the only Braves player to be part of the franchise's entire run of 14 consecutive division titles from 1991 to 2005.

''I'm a miracle. I'm a medical miracle,'' Smoltz said. ''I never took one day for granted.''

- With files from theScore