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 26th save of the 1995 season and 460th career save during the California Angels 5-3 victory over the Texas Rangers at Anaheim Stadium on August 5th, 1995. Smith pitched two-thirds of an inning in the ninth inning, not allowing a hit to preserve the win. This Official American League Gene A. Budig baseball displays toning, shows excellent use and was used during this game. Smith signed this ball in blue pen on the side panel and inscriptions on this ball in blue ink include “Save #460”, “8-5-95”, “Texas 000 010 002 –3-8-1” and “Angels 101 102 00X– 5-12-3”. 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. Please note that there is a smudge on parts of Lee Smith’s first name in his signature, but is still readable.

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