Bill Smith (pitcher)

William Garland Smith (June 8, 1934 – March 30, 1997) was an American professional baseball player, a left-handed pitcher whose 12 years as a professional (1953–64) included parts of three seasons in the Major Leagues for the St. Louis Cardinals (1958–59) and Philadelphia Phillies (1962). Born in Washington, D.C., Smith batted left-handed, stood 6 feet (1.83 m) tall and weighed 190 pounds (86.2 kg).

Smith signed originally with the Cardinals, and won 130 games during his minor league career, with six seasons of ten or more wins.^[1] He appeared in 24 games played during his three Major League stints, six as a starting pitcher. His one big-league victory came on June 28, 1962, at Candlestick Park when he relieved starter Jim Owens in the second inning and threw 72⁄3 innings of shutout ball. The Phils eventually overtook the San Francisco Giants, 7–2. Smith bested a future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher in Juan Marichal on that day, and helped his cause with an RBI double off the Giants' pitcher.^[2]

All told, Smith lost six of seven Major League decisions, and gave up 82 hits and 17 bases on balls in 681⁄3 innings of work. He struck out 34.

References[edit]

External links[edit]

• Career statistics and player information from MLB, or Baseball Reference, or Baseball Reference (Minors)

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