Schmidt was originally drafted on June 3, 1991 by the Atlanta Braves. In 1992, Schmidt joined the Braves minor league affiliates for their his first few seasons. On April 28, 1995, Schmidt was called up to make his MLB debut with the Braves, playing in only nine games that season. On August 30, 1996, Schmidt was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He continued with the Pirates over the next five years, averaging roughly 30 games each season.

Schmidt was then traded on August 30, 1996 to the San Francisco Giants, where he pitched for the next five seasons. In 2002, Schmidt made his first post season appearance, where the Giants lost the World Series to the then named Anaheim Angels.

The 2003 season with the Giants was a breakout year for Schmidt. He pitched 29 games, finishing with a 2.34 earned runs average. He was selected for his first of three MLB All-Star Games, nominated for the MLB most valuable player award and came in second for the Cy Young Award for the best pitcher in the major leagues.

Following the 2006, Schmidt was granted free agency and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on December 8, 2006. He played only six games with the Dodgers in the 2007 season after injuries forced him to the disabled list. The most recent shoulder injury, required surgery to remove scar tissue, repair a frayed biceps tendon, and repair a torn labrum.

Schmidt began the 2008 season on the disabled list, still recovering from the previous surgery. Fast Facts:

1. Full name: Jason David Schmidt
2. Born: January 29, 1973
3. Birthplace: Lewiston, Idaho
4. 1995: World Series Champion with Atlanta Braves
5. 2003: National League All-Star