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 his 40th save of the 1992 season and 352nd of his career when he pitched the ninth inning in the Cardinals 5-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium on September 22nd, 1992. Smith pitched a scoreless inning without allowing a base runner to preserve the victory. This Official National League William D. White baseball displays outstanding use and this ball was used during this game. Smith signed his name in blue pen on the side panel and inscribed in blue ink “9-22-92 save #40” and “ST Louis 001 202 000 –5” and “Pittsburgh 010 120 000 –4”. 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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