2017 holiday
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2017
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.
Lee Smith earned his 275th career save on May 10th, 1991 during the St. Louis Cardinals 7-5 extra innings victory over the Houston Astros at the Astrodome. Smith pitched a scoreless 10th inning, not allowing a run with one strikeout to preserve the victory for the Cards, his 10th save of the season. This Official William D. White baseball was used during this game and Smith signed his name in blue pen on the side panel. The ball shows excellent game use and is slightly toned. The side panel has the following inscription in light black ink: “LEE SMITH 275th LIFETIME SAVE FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1991 VS HOUSTON ASTROS STL 200 000 300 2 – 7 HOU 100 001 300 0 – 5 IP 1 H1 R0 ER0 BB0 SO 1”. 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.