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 recorded his 10th save of the 1995 season on May 21st, 1995 during the California Angels 8-6 victory over the Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park. This save was also Lee Smith’s 444th career save as he pitched two-thirds of an inning, allowing no runs and two hits to preserve the victory. Smith signed his name in blue pen on the side panel of this Official American League Gene A. Budig baseball that was used during this game. The ball displays excellent use and shows considerable wear. Inscriptions on this ball in faded black ink include “Save #444”, “5-21-95”, “California 001 203 012 – 8” and “Chicago 000 000 132 – 6”. This game used and signed baseball comes with a LOA from Lee Smith.

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