Lee Smith
From BR Bullpen
Lee Arthur Smith
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 6", Weight 225 lb.
- School Northwestern State University
- High School Castor High School
- Debut September 1, 1980
- Final Game July 2, 1997
- Born December 4, 1957 in Shreveport, LA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Lee Smith was signed as a 2nd round pick in the 1975 amateur draft by the Chicago Cubs and scout Buck O'Neil.
Smith was the all-time leader in saves until Trevor Hoffman broke his record in 2006; Jeff Reardon had held the record before Smith. Smith was remarkable for his consistency. In a role where ups-and-downs in performance are very common, Smith led the league in saves four times, was also second four times, was third once, fourth twice, and otherwise in the top 10 three other times. He was in the top 5 in the Cy Young Award voting three times, finishing # 2 in 1991.
Smith was the pitching coach for the South African team in the 2006 World Baseball Classic.
In Hall of Fame voting, 2008 was Smith's sixth year on the ballot and he received 43.3% of the vote, putting him in fifth place.
While Hoffman has passed Smith for career saves, Smith continues to hold the record for the most games finished, with 802.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 7-time All-Star (1983, 1987 & 1991-1995)
- 4-time League Saves Leader (1983/NL, 1991/NL, 1992/NL & 1994/AL)
- 4-time Reliever of the Year Award Winner (1983/NL, 1991/NL, 1992/NL & 1994/AL)
- 3-time Rolaids Relief Award Winner (1991/NL, 1992/NL & 1994/AL)
- 30 Saves Seasons: 10 (1984-1987 & 1990-1995)
- 40 Saves Seasons: 3 (1991-1993)
