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 career save number 339 during his perfect ningth inning while pitching with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 7-6 at Veterans Stadium on August 11, 1992. Smith gave up a hit but did not allow a run to preserve the victory for the Cardinals. This Official National League William D. White baseball shows solid use, displaying toning and was used during this game. Inscriptions on this ball in light blue ink include “Save #339”, “8-12-92”, “ST LOUIS 020 003 011 –7” and “Phil 023 100 000 – 6”.This game used and signed baseball comes with a LOA from Lee Smith. Please note that Smith inscribed the wrong date of “8-12-92” as this game was played on August 11th.

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