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 443 during the California Angels 8-5 extra inning victory over the Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park in Chicago on May 20th, 1995. Smith pitched the bottom of the tenth inning and did not allow a run as he gave up two hits to preserve the win. This Official American League Gene A. Budig baseball was used during Smith’s 443rd career save and displays solid use. The ball is toned and Smith signed his name in bold blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in black ink include “Save #443”, “5/20/95”, “CALIFORNIA 002 002 010-2 –7” and “White Sox 000 310 100 0 – 5”.This game used and signed baseball comes with a LOA from Lee Smith.

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