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 earned his 13th save of the 1992 season and 325th of his career when he pitched the ninth inning in the Cardinals 7-5 victory over the Houston Astros at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas on May 15th, 1992. Smith gave up one run, one hit and struck out three batters to preserve the victory. This Official National League William D. White baseball displays outstanding use and is toned and was used during this game. Smith signed his name in bold blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in light blue ink include “Save #325”, “MAY 15, 1992”, “ST LOUIS 000 210 004 –7 15 2” and “HOUSTON 003 000 011 –5 7 1”. This game used and signed baseball comes with a LOA from Lee Smith.

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