Free Republic

John Smoltz, the longtime MLB pitcher turned analyst, is reportedly no longer working for MLB Network. Smoltz has declined to receive the mandatory vaccine to work on MLB Network, according to a report. The network has made the decision to remove him from his role, as a result. MLB Network’s vaccine policy took effect in fall of 2021. Smoltz declined the vaccine and then no longer appeared on set. His contract with the company has since expired and he’s no longer employed by MLB Network. “John Smoltz is no longer on MLB Network after a vaccination policy took effect last...

Tuesday wasn’t Curt Schilling’s day to be elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame and the Boston Red Sox former great believes his politics are one reason he fell short of the necessary number of votes. Schilling’s former teammate, Pedro Martinez, was elected, along with Randy Johnson, John Smoltz and Craig Biggio. Although he and Smoltz have similar stats, Schilling fell 240 votes short.

At 10 P.M. on July 4th John Smoltz of the Atlanta Braves strode to the mound to face Chicago Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa with runners on first and second and the Braves clinging to a narrow lead. Mr. Smoltz pitched aggressively and got two strikes on Mr. Sosa as flashing cameras made the bleachers appear like seating for fireflies. As fans chanted "Smoltzie, Smoltzie," their hero nibbled at the corners of the plate and missed. The count went to three balls, two strikes, and the Atlanta crowd rose, cheering for a strikeout. Then, an anti-climax: The pitcher missed low, the...