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 picked up his 432nd career save during the July 22nd, 1994 game when he was a member of the Baltimore Orioles. Smith pitched the ninth inning to preserve the Orioles 5-4 victory over the Oakland A’s at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. It was also Smith’s 31st save of the 1994 season and this Official American League Bobby Brown baseball was used during that game. Smith signed his name on bold blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in faded black ink include “Save #432”, “7-22-94”, “Orioles 004 000 100 53” and “Oakland 002 020 000 4”. The ball shows signs of use and is only slightly toned. This game used and signed baseball comes with a LOA from Lee Smith.

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