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 final career save during the June 10th, 1997 game between the Montreal Expos and Philadelphia Phillies at Stade Olympique in Montreal. Smith pitched a scoreless ninth inning for the Expos to preserve the 8-5 victory. This save was Smith’s 5th of 1997 and his 478th and final career save. This Official National League Leonard S. Coleman baseball was used in that game and the ball displays excellent game use. Inscriptions on this ball in faded black ink include “Save #478”, “6-10-97”, “Philadelphia 000 210 200 –5” and “Montreal 100 201 04X – 8”. This game used and signed baseball comes with a LOA from Lee Smith.

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