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The Atlanta Braves won an unprecedented 14 straight division titles from 1991-2005. Much of their success was due to the pitching staff. Pitchers came and went during those 14 seasons, but one ingredient remained the same – pitching coach Leo Mazzone.

The “Big Three” Tom Glavine, John Smoltz and Greg Maddux headed the staff from 1993-2002. The hurlers combined for seven Cy Young Awards in the 1990s. They helped the Braves win the 1995 World Series. All three have their jerseys retired by the club and have plaques in Cooperstown.

Their success came under the direct tutelage of Mazzone. The ever-humble Mazzone deflects praise, directing it instead to manager Bobby Cox.

In the questionnaire above, Mazzone calls Cox, “the greatest influence on me other than my father. [He was a] genius at handling pitchers.”

Mazzone and Cox were instrumental in the success of Smoltz. The turning point in the young hurler’s career came in 1991. At the All Star Break, Smotlz was 2-11 with a 4.73 ERA.

Many teams would’ve removed the 24-year old from the rotation. Not the Braves. Instead, Cox and Mazzone instead stood by their young pitcher.

For the pitching coach, it was an easy decision. Smotlz was “the best 2-11 pitcher I ever saw! Bobby Cox did not take him out of the rotation – that’s the main reason he’s in the Hall of Fame besides his ability.”

Smotlz responded by going 12-2 with a 2.63 ERA the rest of the season. The following season he was an All Star.

On Hall of Famer Tommy Glavine, Mazzone writes, “He threw more often with less exertion, 60’6″ going down hill to a catcher. He taught himself how to be his own pitching coach in the game because he threw often under control.”

The incredible success of his pitchers is not what comes to mind first for Mazzone. Instead it is his hurlers’ well-being and durability.

“The health of our pitching staff – that’s what I’m most proud of. Check the numbers and what the starting rotation was able to accomplish over that time. They didn’t miss a start.”

Baseball people in the know acknowledge how central Mazzone was in the unmatched success of the Braves. If Cooperstown ever opens its doors to pitching coaches, Mazzone stands near the front of the line.

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Leo Mazzone is remembered today as the pitching guru who helped the Braves win 14 consecutive division championships. Early in his career as a coach, Mazzone absorbed the wisdom of fellow pitching coach Johnny Sain.

According to an article written by Bill Pearch of SABR, Mazzone said, “Johnny was a little bit of a rebel. He was ahead of his time. People were very critical. They feared his knowledge.”

Mazzone was not afraid. Instead, the two men became friends. Sain philosophies became foundational to Mazzone’s approach.

In the questionnaire above, Mazzone shares some of the basic tenants of Sain’s philosophy that he embraced as his own.

“#1 throw often with less exertion – control your effort,” Mazzone writes. “Get hitters out with stuff and movement. Change speed, location, and motion.”

Later he calls Sain, “the greatest pitching mind in MLB history”.

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Though Cooperstown is home to the game’s greatest managers, the Hall of Fame has yet to induct any coaches. Many believe the line starts behind Johnny Sain and his protege Leo Mazzone.

Sain might already have a plaque for his playing career if not for his military service during World War II. The right-hander broke in with the Boston Braves in 1942. His first year Sain appeared in 40 games and led the Braves in saves. Then he missed three full seasons serving his country in World War II.

Upon his return, Sain was magnificent. He won 20 or more games in each of the following three seasons, and in four out of his next five. Sain was named to the All Star team in both 1946 and ’47 when he won a combined 45 games. Despite missing three seasons in his prime, Sain finished with 139 wins, 140 complete games, and 53 saves.

Sain was also adept with a bat in his hands. He hit .245 for his career and had 101 RBI in 774 at bats. In 1948 he led the entire National League in sacrifice hits in 1948 – the first pitcher to lead the league in any offensive category. Sain led his league’s pitchers in RBI five time. His 20 career strikeouts are the least amount for all hitters with between 500-800 lifetime at bats since 1910.

Despite his all star career, Sain greatest contributions to baseball came during his time as a pitching coach.

He helped make Whitey Ford a Hall of Fame pitcher and later guided the Twins pitching staff to the team’s first pennant in 1965. Sain also served as pitching coach for the World Series champion ’68 Tigers.

After that he moved on to Chicago where he worked as the White Sox pitching coach. At every stop Sain’s pitchers had great success.

In his 17 seasons as a pitching coach Sain tutored 16 hurlers who won 20 or more under his guidance. He was effective with a variety of personalities and talents, coaching such men as the Yankees’ Ford, Denny McLain, Jim Bouton, Jim Kaat, Wilbur Wood, Mudcat Grant, and others.

In the questionnaire above, Mazzone writes of Sain’s Cooperstown worthiness. “Should be a lock. Check track record – knew more about the mental approach and physical mechanics [than anyone] I ever met. Positive all the time.”

There is much debate as to whether the Hall of Fame should recognize coaches with a plaque. If they ever do, Sain and Mazzone make a fine place to start.