The former all-time leader in saves, Lee Smith, debuted for the Chicago Cubs in 1980. Smith played on the North Side until 1988, helping the Cubs to a rare NLCS appearance in 1984. Smith, who was up for election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame 15 times, retired in 1997 after several journeyman years with the Reds, Angels, Expos, and Orioles.

     This jersey was worn by Smith during the 1985 season. It is a blue pinstriped pullover home jersey with a Cubs “C” logo sewn on the left breast. Smith’s number “46” is sewn on the back of the jersey in blue tackle twill. A Cubs logo is sewn on the left sleeve, while an “85” tag is sewn on the front left tail of the jersey. A Wilson size “46” tag is sewn on the back inside collar above a “46 85 1 46” tag. Smith signed the “4” on the back in silver marker, adding the inscription “Game Used”. Additional signatures include Hall of Famers Nolan Ryan and George Kell, as well as Pete Rose, who inscribed “Hit King #4256, Bobby Robinson, Sherwood Brewer, and several more. The signatures, with the exception of Smith, have been written in black marker. Additionally, a blue Cubs hat is offered in this lot. Smith signed the brim of this size 7 ½ hat in silver marker. The jersey and the hat come with a LOA from Lee Smith. This item has been pre-certified by Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication.

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