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 recorded his 250th career save during the second game of a double-header between the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets at Shea Stadium on July 26th, 1990. The Cardinals defeated the Mets 3-1 as Smith picked up his 19th save of the season pitching one and a third perfect innings with two strikeouts to preserve the victory. This Official National League William D. White baseball was used in that game shows excellent use with stains and abrasions present. Smith signed his name in bold blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in faded black ink include “LEE SMITH 250th SAVE”, “JULY 26, 1990 vs NEW YORK METS”. This game used and signed baseball comes with a LOA from Lee Smith.

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