John Lawrence Smith, born Johann Schmitz on February 10, 1889, in Krefeld, Prussia, was a notable figure in both the pharmaceutical industry and Major League Baseball. Emigrating to the United States at the age of three, he and his family settled in Stonington, Connecticut, and he later naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 1908. Smith's professional journey began at Charles Pfizer and Company when he was just seventeen, balancing work with his studies at Cooper Union, where he graduated with a degree in chemistry in 1911.

Smith's career at Pfizer was distinguished and lengthy, interrupted only by a stint at E. R. Squibb and Sons from 1913 to 1918. He swiftly climbed the corporate ladder, achieving executive roles such as vice president in 1929 and ultimately president in 1945, before becoming chairman in 1949. Under his leadership, Pfizer developed into a research-based pharmaceuticals company, notably during the 1940s when Smith oversaw the successful scale-up of penicillin production. This pivotal advancement marked a significant transformation for Pfizer, setting a foundation for its future as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry.

Beyond his pharmaceutical career, Smith was deeply involved in baseball. A player in his youth and a lifelong fan, he became a co-owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945. His tenure saw the Dodgers clinch National League pennants in 1947 and 1949, and make a monumental societal impact by integrating Major League Baseball with the signing of Jackie Robinson in 1947. Smith's role in the Dodgers was not just as an investor; he was actively involved in the management and direction of the team, particularly aligning with Walter O'Malley during internal conflicts with Branch Rickey.

Smith's death on July 10, 1950, from lung cancer marked a pivotal moment for the Dodgers. His passing occurred during a critical time of leadership transition, which saw O'Malley consolidate power and eventually relocate the team to Los Angeles. Smith's legacy in sports, much like his impact on Pfizer, was marked by significant transitional leadership and foundational change, influencing both fields long beyond his tenure.

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