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 career save number 454 while pitching for the California Angels against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 3rd, 1995 at Anaheim Stadium. Smith pitched a scoreless ninth inning without allowing only one hit and striking out one to preserve the Angels 4-2 victory as he earned his 20th save of the 1995 season. This was the 13^th time in Smith’s career that he earned at least 20 saves in a season. This Official American League Gene A. Budig baseball shows outstanding use and is toned. Smith signed his name in blue pen on the side panel. Inscriptions on this ball in faded black ink include “Save #454”, “13 year’s 20 Saves 7-3-95”, “Toronto 000 100 100 –2” and “Angels 003 000 01X–4”. 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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