Why Louisiana’s Lee Smith is Baseball’s Most Interesting Man
North Louisiana Native Lee Smith is a 7 time All-Star, 3 time Reliver of the Year and a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Hailing from Jamestown, Louisiana and attending Castor High, Smith may just be the most interesting man in the history of baseball.
He didn't start playing baseball until his junior year of high school. He was discovered by a baseball legend. He developed a unique entrance into games to help his groundskeepers. He was a record setter, a trendsetter and has one of the most fascinating stories in America's Pastime.
Lee Smith: The Basketball Phenom Who Became an MLB Legend
Arguably, baseball is one of the hardest sports to play. But, you can't prove that by looking at Louisiana native Lee Smith's journey to the diamond. Believe it or not, Smith didn't start playing baseball until his junior year of High School. He loved basketball.
According to interviews with Smith, the only reason he started playing baseball was a bet. His brother bet him $10 that he couldn't handle being a catcher. He joined the Castor High team and the rest, as they say, is history.
Here's another thing to add to the legend of Lee Smith. Do you know how he started pitching? His team's star pitcher was killed in a hunting accident, so he was forced into by necessity. His first career start in High School - a no-hitter.
Smith, went 8–0 with a 0.14 ERA during his time on the mound as a junior for the Castor Tigers. In his senior year he went 7–1 with a 0.95 ERA, while striking out 124 batters in 53 innings of work. For his efforts, Smith was named Louisiana’s Outstanding Class B baseball player for 1975.
Discovered by a Legend: Lee Smith's Road to Professional Baseball
Another fascinating part about Lee Smith's journey is who discovered him. He wasn't found or scouted by just anybody. Negro League legend and baseball Hall of Famer Buck O'Neil is credited with discovering and scouting Smith.
According to legend, O'Neil saw the potential in Lee and convinced him to focus on baseball instead of basketball. And, because of his status and eye for talent, he convinced the Cubs to take Smith in the second round of the 1975 draft despite his limited baseball experience.
In fairness, Buck did have an eye for talent. He discovered Lou Brock, Oscar Gamble, Donnie More, Joe Carter, among others.
Without Buck O'Neil and the Cubs desire to discover more black talent, there's no telling how many incredible players would have never gotten a shot at the big leagues.
Lee Smith's MLB Records: Setting New Standards for Relievers
In today's game, every team has a closer with high velocity stuff and incredible break. An elite pitcher who thrives in pressure packed situations. However, back in the 80s, the closer role wasn't as clearly defined. A lot of guys would work multiple innings and just were solid pitchers with decent stuff.
However, when Smith took over the closer role with the Cubs in 1983, he redefined would the position would be and set the blueprint for modern day closers. Over his 18 year career, he set the record for most career saves in MLB history at 478. Since his retirement, only two players have passed him on the career saves list - Trevor Hoffman and Mariano Rivera, both of which are Hall of Famers.
He also still holds the Cubs franchise record for saves with 180. However, arguably, his best years were with the St. Louis Cardinals. He made 3 consecutive All-Star games between 1991-93, set an NL record for most saves in a season with 47 in 1991, and finished second in the Cy Young to Tom Glavine in 1991.
Despite his impact and records, Lee Smith was never actually voted into the Hall of Fame while on the regular ballot. He made it to the Hall of Fame via 100% vote from a Veterans Committee, a well deserved and long over due honor.