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 earned career save number 457 and 23rd save of the 1995 season during the California Angels 6-5 victory over the Cleveland Indians at Anaheim Stadium on July 25, 1995. Smith pitched the ninth inning to preserve the win, allowing only one hit and striking out two. This Official American League Gene A. Budig baseball displays excellent use with dirt stains and contact marks and was used during this game. Smith signed his name in blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in black ink include “Save #457”, “7/25/95”, “CLEVELAND 012 001 100 –5” and “CALIFORNIA 122 100 00X – 6”.This game used and signed baseball comes with a LOA from Lee Smith.

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