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 22nd save of the 1995 season and 456th career save during the first game of a double-header between the California Angels and Detroit Tigers at Tiger Stadium on July 16, 1995. Smith pitched a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts to preserve the Angeles 6-4 victory. This Official American League Bobby Brown baseball shows excellent use with various marks and the hide being chipped and was used during this game. Smith signed this ball in blue pen on the side panel and inscriptions on this ball in black ink include “Save #456”, “7/10/95”, “CALIFORNIA 000 010 140 –6” and “DETROIT 102 001 000– 4”.Please note there are several black marker scribbles on this ball, but do not detract from the signature or inscriptions. This game used and signed baseball comes with a LOA from Lee Smith.

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