A right-handed relief pitcher with an impressive 18-year MLB career, earning seven All-Star selections and setting a record for most games pitched.
Lee Smith is an American baseball legend, renowned for his remarkable 18-year career as a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). He etched his name in the history books as the first pitcher to reach 400 saves, holding the record for career saves from 1993 to 2006.
Standing tall at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 265 pounds, Smith was an intimidating figure on the pitcher's mound. His 95-mile-per-hour fastball and precision control made him a formidable opponent for batters. Across his career, he donned the uniforms of eight MLB teams, including the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and New York Yankees.
Smith's impressive performance earned him numerous accolades, including three All-Star selections and four Saves titles. In 1991, he set a National League record with 47 saves for the St. Louis Cardinals, finishing as the runner-up for the Cy Young Award.
In 2019, Smith was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as part of the Today's Game Era Committee. This recognition solidified his position as one of the greatest relief pitchers in baseball history.
Born on December 4, 1957, in Jamestown, Louisiana, Smith's journey to baseball stardom was not traditional. He attended high school in Castor, Louisiana, where basketball was his favorite sport. It wasn't until his junior year that he began playing baseball, thanks to a $10 bet with his brother. Negro leagues veteran Buck O'Neil scouted Smith, paving the way for his professional career.
After retiring from baseball, Smith transitioned to coaching, serving as a pitching instructor in Minor League Baseball for the San Francisco Giants. He also coached the South Africa national baseball team in the World Baseball Classics of 2006 and 2009.
Lee Smith's remarkable career has left an indelible mark on baseball. His record-breaking saves, dominant performances, and dedication to the sport have inspired generations of players. As a Hall of Famer, Smith continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest relief pitchers in baseball history.
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