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 26th save of the 1992 season and 338th of his career when he pitched the ninth inning in the Cardinals 5-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Busch Stadium on August 5th, 1992. Smith pitched a scoreless inning with three strikeouts and allowed two hits to preserve the victory. This was also Smith’s 280^th save in National League and his 100^th save as a member of the Cardinals. This Official National League William D. White baseball displays outstanding use with a noticeable bat mark on the stamped sweet spot and is slightly toned. Smith signed his name in blue ink on the side panel. This ball was used during this game and Smith signed his name in blue pen on the side panel. Smith inscribed in now faded black ink “Card save #100”, “NL save #280” and “PHL 000 003 100 –4” and “ST Louis 003 002 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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