Nate Smith (catcher) facts for kids

Nathaniel Beverly Smith, known as Nate Smith, was an American professional baseball player. He played as a catcher, which is the player who crouches behind home plate to receive pitches. Nate's baseball journey mostly took place in the minor leagues, but he did get to play a few games in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles in 1962. He was born on April 26, 1935, in Chicago and passed away on August 18, 2019, in Atlanta.

Nate Smith's Early Baseball Days

Nate Smith started his professional baseball career in 1956. He attended Tennessee State University before joining the professional ranks. For most of his career, from 1956 to 1959 and again from 1961 to 1964, Nate played for teams connected to the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. He was a right-handed player, meaning he threw and batted with his right hand. He stood about 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighed around 170 pounds.

Playing in the Minor Leagues

Before reaching the big leagues, Nate played for several minor league teams. These teams included the Kokomo Dodgers, Macon Dodgers, Green Bay Bluejays, Knoxville Smokies, Omaha Dodgers, Dallas Rangers, Reno Silver Sox, Rochester Red Wings, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Playing in the minor leagues helps players develop their skills and get ready for Major League Baseball.

His Time in Major League Baseball

In September 1962, the Baltimore Orioles bought Nate Smith's contract from the Triple-A Omaha Dodgers. This meant he got his chance to play in Major League Baseball. His debut game was on September 19, 1962.

Memorable Moments in the MLB

In his very first time at bat in the MLB, Nate Smith was a pinch hitter for Orioles pitcher Wes Stock. A pinch hitter is a player who bats in place of another player. Nate hit a single off a left-handed pitcher named Ted Bowsfield from the Los Angeles Angels. A single means he hit the ball and reached first base safely.

Nate played in five games for the Orioles. He got one more hit in his last MLB game. This hit was a double off another left-handed pitcher, Jack Kralick of the Minnesota Twins. A double means he hit the ball and reached second base safely. After these five games, Nate Smith's Major League Baseball career came to an end.