Dave Smith (pitcher, born 1955)

Dave Smith
Pitcher
Born: (1955-01-21)January 21, 1955 Richmond, California
Died: December 17, 2008(2008-12-17) (aged 53) San Diego, California
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
April 11, 1980, for the Houston Astros
Last MLB appearance
June 8, 1992, for the Chicago Cubs
MLB statistics
Win–loss record	53–53
Earned run average	2.67
Strikeouts	548
Saves	216
Teams
Houston Astros (1980–1990) Chicago Cubs (1991–1992)
Career highlights and awards
2× All-Star (1986, 1990)

David Stanley Smith (January 21, 1955 – December 17, 2008) was a Major League Baseball relief pitcher. Smith was born in Richmond, California, and attended San Diego State University. He was drafted in the 8th round (169th overall) of the 1976 Major League Baseball Draft. He was signed by scout Bob Cluck.

Most of his major league career was spent with the Houston Astros, from 1980 to 1990. He only started one game in his career, and was the team's primary closer from 1985 on. Smith was selected for the National League All-Star team for both the 1986 and 1990 seasons. He holds the Astros record for games pitched (586) and is second in team history with 199 saves.

He also played two seasons for the Chicago Cubs. His career won-loss record finished at 53-53. After his playing career ended, he briefly served as a pitching coach for the San Diego Padres. He was one of the Directors of The San Diego School of Baseball for nearly 30 years.

Smith died of a heart attack on December 17, 2008, in San Diego, California.^[1]

References[]

External links[]

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference, or Fangraphs
• Dave Smith page at AstrosDaily.com
• AP Obituary in the Houston Chronicle
• Dave Smith - 1975, 1976 Alaska Goldpanners

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