Seth Smith, an outfielder known for his left-handed batting, played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams over the course of his career. Born on September 30, 1982, in Jackson, Mississippi, Smith attended the University of Mississippi, where he excelled in both baseball and football. His athletic prowess in college caught the attention of MLB scouts, leading to his selection by the Colorado Rockies in the second round of the 2004 MLB Draft.
Smith made his MLB debut with the Rockies in 2007. During his time with Colorado, he became known for his ability to deliver in clutch situations, particularly as a pinch hitter. His performance in the 2007 postseason helped the Rockies reach the World Series, although they ultimately fell to the Boston Red Sox. Over the next few seasons, Smith's role with the Rockies expanded, and he became a regular in the outfield rotation. His best season with Colorado came in 2010 when he hit 17 home runs and drove in 52 runs, showcasing his power-hitting capabilities.
In 2011, Smith was traded to the Oakland Athletics, where he continued to be a reliable presence in the lineup. His tenure with the Athletics was marked by consistent offensive production, and he played a key role in helping the team secure a playoff berth in 2012. Smith's ability to get on base and his solid defensive skills made him a valuable asset to the Athletics during his two seasons with the team.
Following his stint in Oakland, Smith was traded to the San Diego Padres in 2013. With the Padres, he maintained his reputation as a dependable outfielder and hitter. In 2014, he posted a .266 batting average with 12 home runs and 48 RBIs, further solidifying his status as a steady contributor on the field.
Smith's journey continued as he was traded to the Seattle Mariners in 2014. During his time in Seattle, he provided veteran leadership and consistent offensive output. In 2015, he hit 12 home runs and recorded 42 RBIs, helping the Mariners remain competitive in the American League West division. His ability to perform against right-handed pitchers made him a valuable platoon player for the Mariners.
In 2017, Smith joined the Baltimore Orioles, where he played his final MLB season. Although his time with the Orioles was brief, he continued to demonstrate his hitting prowess, finishing the season with 13 home runs. After the 2017 season, Smith stepped away from professional baseball, concluding a career that spanned over a decade.
Throughout his career, Smith was known for his calm demeanor and professionalism both on and off the field.
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