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 notched his 362nd career save and 7th of the 1993 season as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Atlanta Braves 7-3 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on April 25th, 1993. Smith pitched two-thirds of an inning, striking out both batters he faced, to preserve the win. This Official National League William D. White baseball was used during this game. This baseball shows outstanding use with toning and contact marks, especially on the stamped sweet spot. Smith signed his name in blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in faded black ink include “Save #362”, “4-25-93”, “Atlanta 000 001 101 –3” and “Cardinals 310 000 30X–7”. This game used and signed baseball comes with a LOA from Lee Smith.

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