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 355 during his scoreless ninth inning while pitching with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 6-3 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on October 4th, 1992. Smith gave up a hit and struck out one batter to preserve the victory for the Cardinals. This Official National League William D. White baseball shows outstanding use with toning and was used during this game. Smith signed his name in blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in light blue ink include “Phl 3 Cards 6”, “10-4-92, Save #43” and “Jones – 102 Smith – 103”. This game used and signed baseball comes with a LOA from Lee Smith, who in his LOA states that this ball has been in his personal collection.

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