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 reached his milestone career save number 400 pitching for the New York Yankees as they defeated the Boston Red Sox 5-4 at Yankee Stadium on September 17, 1993. Smith pitched a perfect ninth inning with one strikeout to preserve the victory and this Official American League Gene A. Budige baseball was used during this game. This ball displays excellent use and the stampings have faded. Smith signed his name blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in faded black pen include “Save #400”, “9-17-93”, “Boston 010 102 000 –4 7 0” and “New York 101 100 11X –5”.This game used and signed baseball comes with a LOA from Lee Smith.

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