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 career save number 134 during the August 8th, 1986 game between the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field. Smith’s 30th save of the season earned the 2-1 victory for the visiting Cubs. Smith pitched a scoreless inning, allowing only one hit to preserve the save. This Official National League Charles S. Feeney baseball shows solid game use and displays heavy toning. Smith signed his name in blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in blue ink include “134 SAVE”, “FRI AUG.8. 1986”, “PHILADELPHIA 000 001 000 –1” and “CHICAGO 000 002 00X – 2”. 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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