543. Hall-of-Famer John Smoltz Returns

First-ballot Hall-of-Famer John Smoltz first came on this podcast on Episode 450. The eight-time All-Star and National League Cy Young Award winner is currently FOX MLB’s lead game analyst. He is participating in Lake Tahoe’s American Century Championship. The American Century Championship is a made-for-TV event owned and broadcast by NBC Sports. The premier celebrity golf tournament, which also raises funds for local and national charities, awards a $750,000 purse. The tournament is a 54-hole modified Stableford format that features some of sports and entertainment’s greatest celebrities.

Smoltz is an avid golfer. He finished second twice and third once in the last three ACC events in Tahoe. He is now in the final stage of qualifying for the U.S. Senior Open. The 46th U.S. Senior Open is scheduled for July 2-5 in Columbus, Ohio.

In this episode, Smoltz offered his thoughts on the recent passing of his manager with the Braves, Bobby Cox. He talked extensively about how the role of manager has changed in today’s MLB. He also comments on the increase in playoff teams and the ongoing propensity for strikeouts. He also weighed in on the question of whether Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is the best baseball player ever.

Fans can get involved and play Fantasy Golf with the participants in Lake Tahoe. This year’s tournament is July 8-12, 2026. For more info, https://www.accfantasygolf.com/.