Tom Glavine on 300 Wins, the Atlanta Braves, and the Future of MLB Pitching

Hall of Famer Tom Glavine breaks down the future of MLB pitching, why the 300-win milestone may never happen again, and what’s really going on with the 2025 Atlanta Braves. In this Fans First exclusive, Glavine shares insights on the evolution of Major League Baseball, how today’s pitchers compare to past generations, and his candid thoughts on automated strike zones.

Glavine opens up about his own journey to 300 career wins, how losing 17 games as a rookie shaped his mentality, and why modern pitching strategies make that level of success nearly impossible. From bullpen usage to innings restrictions, he explains why no one is being set up to repeat the kind of dominance he, Maddox, and Smoltz had.

The episode also dives into the Atlanta Braves' rollercoaster 2025 season. Glavine talks about Chris Sale’s injury, Spencer Strider’s development, the team’s inconsistent offense, and whether Brian Snitker is still the right manager to lead them. 

Plus: what it’s like watching young MLB pitchers today, why mechanics matter more than radar gun readings, and how rule changes are reshaping the game of baseball.

If you’re a baseball fan, especially an Atlanta Braves fan, or just love listening to Hall of Fame pitchers talk shop, this episode delivers the ultimate insider perspective on MLB pitching, the pursuit of 300 wins, and the evolution of the sport.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (0:00) Glavine reflects on early struggles and lessons from losing 17 games
• (3:00) The rise to MLB and first impressions of the Braves
• (7:30) Insights on Atlanta’s rookie pitching phenom
• (11:00) What it really takes to reach 300 career wins
• (15:00) Why we may never see another 300-win pitcher
• (18:00) Pitchers Tom Glavine loves to watch today
• (21:00) The evolution of his pitch command and changeup mastery
• (24:00) State of the 2025 Braves: hopes, flaws, and playoff chances
• (29:00) Thoughts on Brian Snitker and fan reactions
• (34:00) Sid Bream, Barry Bonds, and that legendary slide
• (36:00) Bobby Cox: the ultimate player’s manager
• (38:00) Tom’s take on the automated strike zone
• (41:00) What rule changes Tom supports and which ones might break the game

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

300 Wins May Be Gone Forever

• Glavine breaks down why modern pitchers likely won’t hit this elusive milestone again, citing innings limits, injuries, and a new bullpen-first mindset.

Automated Strike Zones? Hard Pass

• Tom is not sold on the robo-ump trend. He says it could kill one of the game’s most essential and human elements.

The Braves Have a Path, but It's Narrow

• Despite a tough season, Glavine sees a window for a turnaround if Atlanta can start winning series consistently.

Pitching Philosophy Then vs. Now

• With fewer complete games and more velocity obsession, Glavine sees a widening gap between today's “stuff” and yesterday’s “craft.”

Guest Bio:

Tom Glavine is a Hall of Fame MLB pitcher, two-time Cy Young Award winner, 10-time All-Star, and 1995 World Series MVP. He spent most of his career with the Atlanta Braves and finished with 305 career wins—making him one of the last pitchers to ever reach that mark. Glavine is also known for his off-field leadership, work with MLB broadcasting, and commitment to youth sports development.

Resource Links:

• Fans First Sports Podcast Archive – https://fansfirstpodcast.com
• Georgia Advisory Group (Show Sponsor) – https://www.gaadvisorygroup.com/

Keywords:

Tom Glavine, Atlanta Braves, MLB Podcast, Hall of Fame Pitchers, 300 Wins, Brian Snitker, Fans First, Baseball History, Automated Strike Zone, Modern Pitching, Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Bobby Cox, Pitch Clock, Baseball Strategy