John Smoltz...Image via Wikipedia

When John Smoltz ended his career after the 2009 season he will likely be the last of a dying breed in major league baseball history: the 40-40 pitcher. Smoltz is one of only 37 pitchers in major league baseball history who compiled 40 or more complete games and 40 or more saves in their career. Smoltz had 53 complete games as a starter and 154 saves as a reliever in his career.

Dennis Eckersley is the only member of the 100-100 club. “Eck” had 100 career complete games and 380 saves. Three other pitchers had 60 or more complete games and saves in their careers: Firpo Mayberry (1923-36) had 86 complete games and 101 saves; Charlie Hough (1970-94) had 107 complete games and 63 saves; Clint Brown (1928-42) had 62 compete games and 64 saves.

Following are the last 13 pitchers to retire with 40 or more complete games and 40 or more saves in their career. The 40-40 Club since 1970:

Pitcher, years                                        Career CGs          Career Saves

John Smoltz, 1988-2009                                    53                             154

Dennis Eckersley, 1975-98                               100                            380

Charlie Hough, 1970-94                                    107                              63

Shane Rawley, 1978-89                                       41                              40

Ken Forsch, 1970-86                                            70                              51

Ron Reed, 1966-84                                              55                             103

Woodie Fryman, 1966-83                                  68                               58

Dick Drago, 1969-81                                           62                               58

Wilbur Wood, 1961-78                                      114                               57

Stan Williams, 1958-72                                      42                               43

Mudcat Grant, 1958-71                                       89                              53

Ron Kline, 1952-70                                             44                             108

Pedro Ramos, 1955-70                                       73                               55