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 career save number 440 during the California Angels 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on May 12th, 1995. Smith pitched a perfect ninth inning and struck out one batter to preserve the victory. This Official American League Gene A. Budig baseball was used during Smith’s 435th career save and displays outstanding use. The ball is toned and some of the surface is chipped. Smith signed his name in bold blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in faded black ink include “Save #440”, “5/12/95”, “CALIFORNIA 010 001 001 –3 9 0” and “Kansas City 000 110 000– 2 4 0”.This game used and signed baseball comes with a LOA from Lee Smith.

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