A talented outfielder and coach with 17 MLB seasons, known for his strong hitting and defensive skills, earning seven Gold Glove Awards.
Reggie Smith, born Carl Reginald Smith on April 2, 1945, is an American former professional baseball player, coach, and front office executive, best known for his impressive 17-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career and his exceptional throwing arm.
Smith's MLB career spanned from 1966 to 1982, during which he appeared in 1,987 games, hit 314 home runs, and recorded 1,092 runs batted in (RBIs) with a remarkable .287 batting average. He was a switch-hitter who threw right-handed, and his powerful throwing arm earned him a reputation as one of the strongest-armed outfielders in the league.
Smith played for the Boston Red Sox (1966-1973), St. Louis Cardinals (1974-1976), Los Angeles Dodgers (1976-1981), and San Francisco Giants (1982). He was involved in two notable trades: first, in 1973, when he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals along with Ken Tatum for Bernie Carbo and Rick Wise, and second, in 1976, when he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Bob Detherage, Joe Ferguson, and Freddie Tisdale.
In 1973, Smith sparked controversy when he referred to Boston as a "racist city," which led to him being censured by Boston Mayor Kevin White. Later, in 1978, a publicized clubhouse wrestling match between Smith's teammate, Don Sutton, and Steve Garvey, was sparked by Sutton's comments that Smith was a more valuable player to the Dodgers than Garvey.
Smith grew up in Los Angeles, California, and attended Centennial High School in Compton, California. He played in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for two seasons at the end of his playing career.
Reggie Smith's impressive career and achievements have left a lasting impact on the world of baseball. His strong throwing arm and switch-hitting abilities made him a valuable asset to his teams, and his involvement in high-profile trades and controversies only added to his legend. Today, Smith is remembered as one of the greatest outfielders of his generation, and his influence can still be seen in the game.
While Smith's playing career was marked by controversy, he has also spoken about the importance of perseverance and hard work. In an interview, he once said, "You can't give up. You've got to keep pushing, keep grinding, and keep believing in yourself."
Smith's determination and resilience in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and individuals alike. His remarkable career and achievements are a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance, and his legacy continues to inspire and motivate future generations.
81 Years Old
Legendary baseball pitcher known for his exceptional skill and dominance on the mound, earning him the nickname "The Franchise."
92 Years Old
Legendary baseball player who broke Babe Ruth's home run record in 1974, becoming an iconic figure in American sports history.
94 Years Old
Legendary baseball player and coach who is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-around players in baseball history, known for his impressive defensive skills and powerful hitting.
90 Years Old
Legendary left-handed pitcher and Hall of Famer, known for his incredible fastball and curveball, as well as his courageous decision to sit out a World Series game due to religious beliefs.
90 Years Old
Legendary baseball player and trailblazing manager who broke racial barriers and won numerous accolades, including MVP and Manager of the Year awards.
90 Years Old
Hall of Fame pitcher and coach who dominated on the mound with a fierce fastball and intimidating presence, leading his team to World Series championships.
86 Years Old
A legendary baseball player and broadcaster who stole 118 bases in a single season, holding the record for 24 years, and brought excitement to the game with his speed and charisma.
88 Years Old
A Hall of Fame first baseman who played 17 seasons in the majors, earning seven All-Star selections and winning the 1958 National League Rookie of the Year award.
