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.

Offered is a game-used baseball, signed and inscribed by right-handed Major League Baseball relief pitcher Lee Smith. Smith picked up his 477th career save as a member of the Montreal Expos in his final season during a 5-4 win over the New York Mets at Stade Olympique, pitching one inning en route to his fourth save of the season. Smith signed his name in blue pen on the side panel and has inscribed “5-27-97” in black ink on the white leather Official National League Leonard S. Coleman baseball. Also inscribed are “Save #477” and “new York 002 020 000 – 5 montreal 011 030 00X – 5”. 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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