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 347 during his scoreless ninth inning while pitching with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on August 29, 1992. Smith gave up a hit and walked two batters, but managed to get two strikeouts to preserve the victory for the Cardinals. This Official National League William D. White baseball shows outstanding use with toning and was used during this game. Inscriptions on this ball in light blue ink include “Save #347”, “8-29-92”, “Los Angeles 000 101 000 –2 8 2” and “Cardinals 000 030 00X– 3 6 0”.This game used and signed baseball comes with a LOA from Lee Smith.

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