Willie Smith (outfielder) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Willie Smith |
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Smith in 1968
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| Pitcher/Outfielder | |||
| Born: February 11, 1939 Anniston, Alabama |
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| Died: January 16, 2006 (aged 66) Anniston, Alabama |
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| debut | |||
| June 18, 1963, for the Detroit Tigers | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 30, 1971, for the Cincinnati Reds | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .248 | ||
| Home runs | 46 | ||
| Runs batted in | 211 | ||
| Win–loss record | 2–4 | ||
| Earned run average | 3.10 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Willie Smith (born February 11, 1939 – died January 16, 2006) was a talented American Major League Baseball player. He started his career as a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers in 1963. But he soon became a great outfielder and pinch hitter for several teams. These included the Los Angeles/California Angels, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, and Cincinnati Reds. Willie also played baseball in Japan for the Nankai Hawks. He was born in Anniston, Alabama.
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Early Baseball Days
Willie Smith began his professional baseball journey with the Negro league Birmingham Black Barons. He was so good that he was chosen to play in the special East–West All-Star Game in both 1958 and 1959. This was a big honor for young players.
A Promising Pitcher
Smith was seen as a very promising pitcher when he was part of the Detroit Tigers' minor league teams. In 1963, he played for the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs. He had an amazing year, winning 14 games and only losing 2. This gave him the best winning percentage in the International League. His earned run average (ERA), which measures how well a pitcher prevents runs, was also very low at 2.11.
What's more, Willie was also a great hitter! While pitching, he batted .380, meaning he got a hit almost 4 out of every 10 times he went to bat. He hit one home run and brought in 13 runs.
Switching from Pitcher to Outfielder
In 1964, Willie Smith was traded to the Angels. He was still pitching, and he had a good ERA of 2.84. However, the Angels' manager, Bill Rigney, noticed how well Willie could hit. He decided to move Smith to the outfield so his powerful bat could be in the game every day.
This change was a great idea! In 1964, Willie hit .301, which was the best average of his career. He also hit 11 home runs and had 51 runs batted in (RBI). This showed everyone he was a talented player who could do well in different positions.
Memorable Moments
Baseball fans in Chicago especially remember Willie Smith for a very exciting moment. On Opening Day, April 8, 1969, at Wrigley Field, he hit a dramatic walk-off home run in extra innings. This meant his team, the Chicago Cubs, won the game against the Philadelphia Phillies right then and there! It was a thrilling way to start the season.
After playing for the Cubs, Willie was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 1970.
Career Highlights
During his nine seasons in Major League Baseball, Willie Smith played in 691 games. He had 410 hits, including 46 home runs. He also brought in 211 runs for his teams. As a pitcher, he had a record of 2 wins and 4 losses. His overall ERA as a pitcher was 3.10.
Willie Smith passed away in his hometown of Anniston, Alabama, at the age of 66, due to a heart attack.
