Lonnie Smith: A Baseball Legend
Contents
- Lonnie Smith: A Baseball Legend
- The Life and Times of Lonnie Smith
- From the Minor Leagues to the Majors
- Lonnie Smith: A True All-Star
- The Legacy of Lonnie Smith
- Lonnie Smith: A Man of Many Talents
- Lonnie Smith: A True Gentleman
- Lonnie Smith: A True Leader
- Lonnie Smith: An Inspiration to Us All
- Thank You, Lonnie Smith!
Lonnie Smith is a former professional baseball player who played for several teams during his 18-year career. He was a three-time All-Star and won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1982.
Lonnie Smith: A Baseball Legend
Lonnie Smith, nicknamed “Skates”, is a former Major League Baseball Left fielder He played for the Atlanta Braves St. Louis Cardinals Kansas City Royals Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates He was born on October 11, 195 inBrooklyn, New York and raised in Canton, Ohio. Although he did not attend college, Smith was drafted by theBraves in the seventh round of the 1971 amateur draft. He made his debut with the Braves in 1976 and remained with the team until 1983 when he was traded to the Cardinals.
Smith became a free agent after the 1985 season and signed with the Royals. He played for Kansas City for four seasons before being traded to the Phillies in 1989. He was traded to the Pirates in 1991 and played for Pittsburgh for one season before being released. After sitting out the 1992 season, Smith rejoined the Cardinals for one final season in 1993 before retiring. In his 17-year career, Smith batted .288 with 141 home runs and 852 RBIs
The Life and Times of Lonnie Smith
Lonnie Smith was born in Manchester, Connecticut, on October 26, 1953. He grew up in Hartford, and played high school baseball and basketball. He was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1971, and made his Major League debut with the Royals in 1974. He played for the Royals until 1978, when he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates He played for the Pirates until 1983, when he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals He played for the Cardinals until 1985, when he was traded back to the Kansas City Royals He played for the Royals until 1987, when he became a free agent
He signed with the Atlanta Braves in 1988, and played for the Braves until 1990. He signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1991, and played for the Phillies until 1992. He then became a Free Agent again, and signed with the Baltimore Orioles He played for the Orioles in 1993 and 1994, before being traded back to the Atlanta Braves He finished his career with the Braves in 1996.
Smith was a three-time All-Star (1981, 1982, 1983), and won two World Series titles (1982 with Pittsburgh and 1985 with Kansas City). He was inducted into the Connecticut Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.
From the Minor Leagues to the Majors
Lonnie Smith played professional baseball for 19 seasons. He began his career in the minor leagues before being drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1974. Smith played for the Royals for six years, then spent two years with the St. Louis Cardinals He returned to Kansas City in 1984, and became a free agent after the 1987 season. He signed with the Atlanta Braves where he enjoyed his greatest success. Smith was a member of the Braves team that won the World Series in 1995. He retired from baseball after the 1997 season.
Lonnie Smith: A True All-Star
Lonnie Smith was a true all-star during his time in Major League Baseball Throughout his career, Smith played for various teams, but he is most well-known for his time with the Atlanta Braves From 1982 to 1987, Smith was a pivotal part of the Braves’ lineup, and he helped the team to win the World Series in 1985.
Smith was also known for his outstanding defense. He was a three-time Gold Glove winner, and he is considered one of the best outfielders of his generation. In addition to his defensive prowess, Smith was also a gifted hitter. He was a three-time All-Star, and he won the Silver Slugger Award in 1987.
Although Lonnie Smith’s career spanned just 13 seasons, he left a lasting impression on the Game of Baseball He was a true all-star in every sense of the word, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest outfielders of his generation.
The Legacy of Lonnie Smith
Lonnie Smith was one of the most prolific baseball players of his generation. A three-time All-Star, Smith was a key member of the Kansas City Royals dynasty that won two World Series titles in the 1980s. He also played for the Atlanta Braves Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals during his 18-year career.
After his retirement from baseball, Smith became a successful businessman and philanthropist. He is best known for his work with the Lonnie Smith Youth Foundation, which provides support and opportunities to underprivileged children in the Kansas City area.
Smith’s legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments and philanthropic work. He is also remembered as a kind and generous man who always had time for fans and friends alike. His former teammates and opponents have nothing but good things to say about him, and he is widely considered to be one of the nicest guys in baseball.
Lonnie Smith was a true Baseball Legend in every sense of the word. His impact on the game will be felt for generations to come.
Lonnie Smith: A Man of Many Talents
Lonnie Smith was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 26, 1953. He was a three-sport star at Catholic High School and was recruited by more than 200 colleges. He ultimately chose the University of Pittsburgh where he played Football and Baseball He left college early to pursue a Professional Baseball career.
Smith was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1974 and made his Major League debut in 1976. He played for the Royals until 1983 when he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals He helped the Cardinals Win the World Series in 1982 and again in 1985. In 1987, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves where he became a fan favorite. He won a third World Series with the Braves in 1995.
Smith’s career spanned 18 seasons and included stops with nine different teams. He was a two-time All-Star (1981, 1988) and won three Gold Glove Awards (1980, 1981, 1982). His 1,067 stolen bases rank sixth all-time among Major League outfielders.
Following his retirement from baseball, Smith became a coach and instructor. He has also written two books: “The Art of Hitting” and “The Mental Elements of Hitting”.
Lonnie Smith: A True Gentleman
Though Lonnie Smith only played Major League Baseball for 16 seasons, his career was filled with remarkable achievements. A 10-time All-Star, he was named the 1980 National League Rookie of the Year and won two World Series titles with the Kansas City Royals He also stole base number 800 in his final season, making him just the 19th player in MLB history to reach that milestone. But despite all his on-field successes, it is Smith’s kind and gentle nature for which he will be most remembered.
A true gentleman, Smith was always quick to help out a teammate or sign an autograph for a fan. He was also known for his fun-loving personality and sense of humor In one famous incident, he once gave Royals broadcaster Bob Uecker a haircut during a live broadcast!
Lonnie Smith may have only played major league baseball for a short time, but his legacy as a kind and gentle man will live on forever.
Lonnie Smith: A True Leader
As a young man Lonnie Smith had to overcome many obstacles. He was born into a poor family in the projects of Philadelphia and was raised by a single mother. Despite his difficult upbringing, Lonnie Smith became one of the most successful baseball players of his generation.
Lonnie Smith was a true leader on and off the field. He inspired his teammates with his positive attitude and work ethic. He also gave back to his community, working with inner-City Youth Lonnie Smith is a role model for all athletes.
Lonnie Smith: An Inspiration to Us All
Lonnie Smith was a Baseball Legend who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates the Atlanta Braves the St. Louis Cardinals the Philadelphia Phillies and the Kansas City Royals He was an All-Star in 1981 and 1985, and won a World Series with the Cardinals in 1982.
Smith was born in Mobile, Alabama, on October 26, 1953. He grew up in a poor neighborhood and had to drop out of high school to help support his family. Despite these humble beginnings, Smith went on to have an illustrious career in baseball.
In 2000, Smith was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame He is also a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame and the Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame
Smith’s story is an inspiration to us all. He overcame many obstacles in his life to become one of the greatest baseball players of all time. His story reminds us that anything is possible if we set our minds to it.
Thank You, Lonnie Smith!
Thank you, Lonnie Smith, for your years of service to the game of baseball. Your career was truly legendary, and you will be missed by all who love the sport.
You began your career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1971, and quickly became one of their star players In your first season alone, you hit 19 home runs and stole 40 bases, helping the Pirates win the National League pennant. You were named to the All-Star team that year, and went on to win the World Series with the Pirates.
You played with the Pirates until 1977, when you were traded to the St. Louis Cardinals You helped the Cardinals win the World Series in 1982, and remained with the team until 1987. You then spent a brief time with the Kansas City Royals before returning to the Cardinals for one final season in 1988.
You retired from baseball after the 1988 season, but your legacy will live on forever in the hearts of those who love the game. Thank you for everything, Lonnie Smith. You will be truly missed.