Tiger Woods, known for his dominance in golf, took at-bats against former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz in the early 2000s. The PGA Tour Champions recently released a video of Smoltz sharing the fun story alongside Braves legends Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux. Woods had expressed his desire to face Smoltz, and when Smoltz was throwing a simulated game at an empty Braves stadium, he invited Woods to take a couple of at-bats. Woods traveled to Atlanta for the face-off, setting one important rule for Smoltz: give him everything he had.
Despite initial concerns about injuring Woods, Smoltz gave his all during the at-bats. However, towards the end, he broke Woods’ explicit rule by throwing fastballs that Woods could hit. This made Woods angry, but he declared himself 1-4 with a walk. Woods’ hyper-competitiveness, displayed in his match against Smoltz, has been a hallmark of his career. It also led him to train with the Navy SEALs, showcasing his desire to test himself in various arenas beyond golf.
In a 2012 book by Woods’ former coach Hank Haney, it was revealed that Woods injured his left knee while training with the SEALs in 2007. This injury preceded a series of knee surgeries that plagued the later years of Woods’ career. Smoltz theorized that Woods wanted to face him on the baseball field to measure himself against someone in a different sport, much like others who challenge athletes in different disciplines. Smoltz himself attempted to qualify for the PGA Tour Champions in 2023 but did not advance past the first stage despite holding a +1.5 handicap.
The story of Woods facing off against Smoltz adds another fascinating chapter to the golfer’s competitive nature. Woods, already a legendary figure in golf, continues to seek challenges that push his limits. Despite setbacks and injuries, his willingness to test himself in various arenas demonstrates his never-ending pursuit of excellence. The match against Smoltz serves as a reminder of Woods’ determination and drive, qualities that have defined his illustrious career in golf.
