Lee Smith, a towering presence on the pitcher's mound, became one of the most reliable closers in Major League Baseball history. Born on December 4, 1957, in Jamestown, Louisiana, Smith's journey to baseball stardom began in the rural fields of his hometown. His imposing 6-foot-5 frame and powerful arm caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by the Chicago Cubs in the second round of the 1975 MLB Draft.
Smith's early years with the Cubs were marked by a transition from starting pitcher to reliever, a move that would define his career. He made his major league debut on September 1, 1980, and quickly established himself as a dominant force in the bullpen. By 1983, Smith had secured the role of the Cubs' closer, a position he would hold for several seasons. That year, he led the National League with 29 saves, earning his first All-Star selection.
Throughout the 1980s, Smith's reputation as a reliable closer grew. His fastball, often clocked in the high 90s, and his intimidating presence on the mound made him a challenging opponent for batters. In 1984, he played a crucial role in helping the Cubs reach the postseason for the first time since 1945. Although the Cubs fell short in the National League Championship Series, Smith's performance was a highlight of their campaign.
In 1987, Smith was traded to the Boston Red Sox, where he continued to excel as a closer. His tenure with the Red Sox was brief, but he left a lasting impression, recording 29 saves in his first season. The following year, Smith was on the move again, this time to the St. Louis Cardinals. It was with the Cardinals that he enjoyed some of the best years of his career. From 1990 to 1992, Smith led the National League in saves each season, setting a career-high with 47 saves in 1991.
Smith's ability to maintain his performance over the years was remarkable. He became known for his durability and consistency, attributes that allowed him to play for several teams during his career. After his stint with the Cardinals, Smith went on to pitch for the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, California Angels, Cincinnati Reds, and Montreal Expos. Despite the frequent changes in teams, his role as a dependable closer remained unchanged.
By the time Smith retired in 1997, he had amassed 478 saves, a major league record at the time. His career save total was eventually surpassed, but Smith's legacy as one of the game's great closers was firmly established. Over his 18-year career, he was selected to seven All-Star teams and finished in the top ten in Cy Young Award voting three times.
Smith's contributions to baseball were recognized with his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019.
⚾