Lee Smith

Sport: Baseball

Induction Year: 2003

University: Northwestern State

Induction Year: 2003

Born in Shreveport, Lee Smith is a lifelong resident of Castor who became Major League Baseball’s career saves leader with 478. Smith still holds the MLB record for consecutive errorless games (546) by a pitcher.

A seven-time All-Star, Smith was named the National League Fireman of the Year in 1991 and shared the award in 1983 and 1992. He won the American League award in 1994 and holds the Cubs and Cardinals club records for saves.

He pitched 18 seasons (1980-97) for eight clubs (Cubs, Red Sox, Cardinals, Yankees, Orioles, Angels, Reds and Expos). A hard-throwing 6-6 right-hander, Smith appeared in 1,022 games and had a career record of 71-92 and 3.03 ERA, with 486 walks and 1,251 strikeouts. He recorded 30 or more saves 10 times in his career.

Smith led the National League in saves in 1983, ’91 and ’92 and the American League in 1994. His best seasons were from 1991-93 when he had 47, 43 and 46 saves. Smith holds the Cubs and Cardinals club records for saves.

A seven-time all-star, Smith was named the NL Fireman of the Year by The Sporting News in 1991 and co-Fireman of the Year in ’83 and ’92. He was the AL Fireman of the Year in 1994.

Smith signed with the Cubs after graduating from Castor High School, and also played 1 1/2 years for the Northwestern State basketball team.