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 his 359th career save and fourth of the 1993 season as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 in 15 innings at Dodger Stadium on April 14th, 1993. Smith pitched a scoreless 15th inning, not allowing a hit and recorded a strikeout as this Official National League William D. White baseball was used during this game. This baseball shows outstanding use with toning, dirt marks and bat abrasions. Smith signed his name in blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in light blue ink include “Save #359 4-14-93”, “ST. LOUIS 010 000 000 000 001 – 2 12 1” and “ LA Dodgers 000 000 010 000 000 – 1 4 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.

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