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 300th career save on August 25th 1991 during the St. Louis Cardinals 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Smith pitched a scoreless ninth inning and allowed two hits 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 ink “Save #300”, “8-25-91” and “LA 100 000 100 – 2“ and “STL 101 002 210 – 5”. This game used and signed baseball comes with a LOA from Lee Smith.

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