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 notched a milestone career save number 100 during the July 19th,1985 game between the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants at Candlestick Park. Smith’s 20th save of the season earned the 4-3 victory for the Cubs. Smith pitched an inning and a third, allowing two hits and one earned run, striking out two batters to preserve the save. This Official National League Charles S. Feeney baseball shows solid game use and displays minor toning. Smith signed his name in blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in blue ink include “FRI. JULY 19. 1985” and “CHICAGO 100 000 300 –4” and “SAN FRANCISCO 002 000 001 – 3”. 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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