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 career save number 470 during the California Angels 4-1 victory over the Oakland A’s at Anaheim Stadium on September 28, 1995. Smith pitched the bottom of the ninth inning and did not allow a run as he gave up a hit and a walk to preserve the win, while recording a strikeout. This Official American League Gene A. Budig baseball was used during Smith’s 470th career save and displays outstanding use. The ball is heavily toned and Smith signed his name in bold blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in light black ink include “Save #470”, “9/28/95”, “Oakland 000 000 100 –1” and “California 000 010 30X –4”.This game used and signed baseball comes with a LOA from Lee Smith.

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