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. The Hall of Fame closer was a longtime coach in the San Francisco Giants farm system, where he had served as a roving pitching instructor. Smith was on the coaching staff of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes of the Single-A Northwest League in 2006 when they finished with their best-ever record of 55-21 to win the league title. This 10K gold championship ring was presented to Lee Smith and features the Volcanoes logo on the top surrounded by over 30 cz stones (please note that there appears to be a missing stone below the logo). “NWL CHAMPIONS” is on the top, while “VOLCANOES” is on the bottom, all in raised lettering. “20” and “06” adorn the sides of the top with 4 cz stones on each side. The left shank has “SMITH”, “SF”, “GIANTS”, “1998-2001” in raised lettering and a banner with “STAFF” engraved. The opposite shank has the NWL logo across the top, with “SALEM-KEIZER”, “BEST TEAM EVER”, “55 21” and “2006” below. The inside band has engraved “ntm”. This ring is a size 14 ½, weighs approximately 48.85 grams, in good overall condition and comes with a LOA from Lee Smith.

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