When former closer Lee Smith retired from baseball in 1997, he was the all-time saves leader with 478. Only Trevor Hoffman and Mariano Rivera finished with more career saves than the big righty from Louisiana. Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 2nd round of the 1975 MLB Amateur Draft, Smith made his debut with the “Northsiders” on September 1, 1980. His 18-year career saw him pitch for the Cubs, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, California Angels, Cincinnati Reds and Montreal Expos.

     Smith notched career save number 133 during the August 4,1986 game between the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets at Wrigley Field. Smith’s 20th save of the season earned the 4-2 victory for starting pitcher and future Hall of Fame closer Dennis Eckersley. Smith pitched two innings, allowing only one hit and no runs and struck out two batters to preserve the save. This Official National League Charles S. Feeney baseball shows solid game use and displays minor toning. Smith signed his name in blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in black ink include “20th SAVE 133 SAVE”, “MON AUG. 4, 1986”, “New York 010 000 100 –2” and “Chicago 010 021 00X – 4”.This game used and signed baseball comes with a LOA from Lee Smith.

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