Today in Performance Sneaker History: John Smoltz Leads Braves to 1992 NLCS Game 4 Win in Pony Cleats

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Complex Original

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Throughout the early to mid '90s and later on in the 2000s, John Smoltz was one of the MLB's most successful pitchers. Known for his lethal fastball and his expertise with a variety of pitches, Smoltz was honored as an MLB All-Star on 8 occasions spanning a nearly 20 year period from 1989 to 2007. In 1995, as a member of the Atlanta Braves, Smoltz won the World Series championship, and in 1996 he was the NL Cy Young Award recipient. Smoltz is also a member of the elite 3,000 strikeout club, which he entered in 2008.

Before his 2001 recovery from Tommy John surgery and subsequent transition to reliever, Smoltz was one of the most feared starting pitchers in the league. In October of 1992, the Atlanta Braves found themselves in the National League Championship Series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. John Smoltz pitched for the Braves in three games of the seven game series and received the series MVP honors. His performance on October 10, 1992 was a major factor behind this MVP recognition. On the mound, Smoltz pitched 6.1 innings and allowed 6 hits and 4 runs. Thankfully, he also contributed to Atlanta's offense by going 2-3 at the plate, scoring a run and driving in another along the way. The Braves would go on to win the game 6-4 and eventually made it to the 1992 World Series, where they were ultimately defeated by the Toronto Blue Jays.

During his prolific 21 year career, John Smoltz wore everything from Reebok to Mizuno cleats. During this 1992 run, his brand of choice was Pony. Unfortunately, Pony's stature in the baseball market has declined since then, and your best bet at picking up a pair of the brand's cleats is eBay.

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