As a longtime Atlanta Braves fan — I was a kid when they stunned the world in ‘91, but have followed ever since — it’s hard for me to write words that say John Smoltz won’t be playing this year, and possibly never again.

The starting pitcher, turned closer, turned starting pitcher again underwent surgery on his throwing arm, saying he was dealing with too much pain.

“I’ve pulled off a lot of miracles,” Smoltz said Wednesday at a hastily called news conference before the Braves’ game against the Florida Marlins. “I probably shouldn’t have played this long. I’m looking forward to seeing if I can extend it.”

My biggest fear is that his last game ever will be a game where he blew a lead in the ninth and gave up two runs. John Smoltz has 210 wins, 154 saves, and is one of only 16 pitchers to throw for 3,000 strikeouts. If it’s over, John, it was a great career, and you’ll be sorely missed in Atlanta.