Joe Smith (pitcher) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Joe Smith |
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Smith with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2017
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: March 22, 1984 Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| April 1, 2007, for the New York Mets | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| August 2, 2022, for the Minnesota Twins | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 55–34 | ||
| Earned run average | 3.14 | ||
| Strikeouts | 666 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Joseph Michael Smith, born on March 22, 1984, is a former American professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for many different teams. These teams include the New York Mets, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, and Minnesota Twins. Smith went to Wright State University before being drafted by the Mets in 2006. He made his big league debut in 2007.
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Early Life and College Baseball
Smith went to Amelia High School in Batavia, Ohio. He was a top baseball player there for three years. He also played for a special team called the American Amateur Baseball Congress Midland team. Even after having a shoulder surgery, he worked hard to get back to playing baseball.
At Wright State University, Smith played for the Wright State Raiders. He became the team's closer in his junior and senior years. A closer is a pitcher who finishes the game. He made his fastball faster by changing how he threw the ball. In his last year, he had 13 saves and a very low earned run average (ERA) of 0.98. In total, he had 22 saves and struck out 145 batters.
Smith also played collegiate summer baseball during his college years. In 2004, he played for the North Adams Steeplecats. In 2005, he pitched for the Rockville Express and later for the Edenton Steamers. He helped the Edenton Steamers win their second league championship in 2005.
Professional Baseball Career
New York Mets
The New York Mets picked Smith in the third round of the 2006 MLB draft. He started his professional career with the Brooklyn Cyclones. He was even named one of the top young players in his league.
Smith joined the Mets' main team on Opening Day in 2007. He made his first MLB appearance on April 1, 2007. He got his first big league win on April 24, 2007. Smith did well at first, but then he got tired and was sent to the minor leagues. He played for the Mets again in 2008 and had a good season.
Cleveland Indians
On December 10, 2008, the Mets traded Smith to the Cleveland Indians. He played for the Indians for several years. In 2013, he signed a new contract with them. After the 2013 season, he became a free agent, meaning he could sign with any team. However, he wanted to stay with the Indians.
Los Angeles Angels
In November 2013, Smith signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In April 2014, he became the Angels' new closer. This means he was the pitcher who finished games. Later, the Angels traded for another closer, so Smith moved to an "eighth-inning setup role." This meant he pitched in the eighth inning to help set up the closer. In 2014, he had 15 saves and a very good 1.81 ERA. In 2016, he had to go on the disabled list because of a leg injury.
Chicago Cubs
On August 1, 2016, the Angels traded Smith to the Chicago Cubs. He played 16 games for the Cubs that year. Overall in 2016, he played in 54 games for both teams. Smith was part of the Cubs team that won the 2016 World Series. However, he did not play in any of the postseason games.
Toronto Blue Jays
On February 9, 2017, Smith signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. He became the Blue Jays' setup man early in the season. He was placed on the disabled list in June due to shoulder problems. He played in 38 games for the Blue Jays.
Cleveland Indians (Second Time)
On July 31, 2017, the Blue Jays traded Smith back to the Cleveland Indians. He pitched well for the Indians in his second time with the team.
Houston Astros
On December 13, 2017, Smith signed a two-year contract with the Houston Astros. In his first year with the Astros, he played in 56 games. In December, he hurt his Achilles tendon, which is a part of the leg. He had surgery for it.
In 2019, Smith had a great season with a very low 1.80 ERA. In 2019, he signed another two-year contract with the Astros. Smith did not play in the short 2020 season. He chose to be with his mother, who was sick. He returned to the Astros in 2021, but he struggled that year.
Seattle Mariners
On July 27, 2021, the Astros traded Smith to the Seattle Mariners. He played for the Mariners for a short time.
Minnesota Twins
On March 20, 2022, Smith signed with the Minnesota Twins. He played in 34 games for the Twins. On August 3, the Twins decided to let him go from the team. He was officially released on August 5.
On January 31, 2024, Joe Smith announced that he was retiring from professional baseball.
Pitching Style
Joe Smith had a very unique way of pitching. He threw the ball from a low angle, almost like he was throwing it from his side. This made his fastball move downward a lot, which is why it was often called a sinker. Because of this movement, batters often hit the ball on the ground. Smith also threw a slider and a changeup.
Personal Life
Joe Smith is married to Turner Sports reporter Allie LaForce. They had their first child, a son, in 2022.
In 2012, Smith's mother was diagnosed with a serious health condition. Smith and LaForce work hard to raise awareness for their organization, HelpCureHD.org. This group helps families prevent the condition from being passed on to future generations.
