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 picked up his 425th career save during the June 10th, 1994 game when he was a member of the Baltimore Orioles. Smith pitched a scoreless ninth inning allowing only one hit and striking out three to preserve the Orioles 10-7 victory over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. It was also Smith’s 24th save of the 1994 season. This Official American League Bobby Brown baseball was used during that game. Smith signed his name in bold blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in faded black ink include “6-10-94”, “Orioles 013 110 031” and “Kansas City 202 200 100”. The ball shows signs of excellent use, is only slightly toned and has a bat mark over the stamped sweet spot. Please note that Smith incorrectly inscribed Kansas City instead of Boston on the line score. 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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