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.

     Lee Smith earned his 270th career save on April 19th, 1991 during the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Smith retired all five batters he faced to earn his 5th save of this season and to preserve the victory for the Cards. This Official William D. White baseball was used during this game and Smith signed his name in blue pen on the side panel. On the same panel of his signature is inscribed in faded black marker “LEE SMITH LIFETIME SAVE #270 FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 1991” and “PHILADELPHIA 000 100 000“, “St LOUIS 000 003 000” and “1P 1 2/3 H 0 R 0 BB 0 SO 1”. This game used and signed baseball comes with a LOA from Lee Smith.

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