Lonnie Smith

Biography

Lonnie Smith was a professional baseball player who played for several teams during his career. He was born on December 22, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in Compton, California. Smith was a standout athlete in high school, excelling in both baseball and football. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the first round of the 1974 Major League Baseball draft.

Smith made his Major League debut with the Phillies in 1978 and quickly established himself as a talented player. He was known for his speed and his ability to steal bases, and he was also a solid hitter. In 1980, Smith helped lead the Phillies to a World Series championship, hitting .375 in the series.

After several seasons with the Phillies, Smith was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1982. He had a strong season with the Cardinals, hitting .307 and stealing 68 bases. He also helped lead the team to a National League pennant and a World Series appearance.

Smith continued to play for several teams over the next decade, including the Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Baltimore Orioles. He was a two-time All-Star and won a Silver Slugger award in 1989.

Throughout his career, Smith was known for his speed and his ability to steal bases. He finished his career with 314 stolen bases, which ranks 84th all-time in Major League Baseball history. He was also a solid hitter, finishing his career with a .288 batting average and 1,027 hits.

Off the field, Smith struggled with drug addiction and alcoholism. He was arrested several times for drug-related offenses and was suspended by Major League Baseball for the entire 1986 season due to his drug use. Smith later sought treatment for his addiction and was able to overcome his struggles.

After retiring from baseball, Smith worked as a coach and a scout for several teams. He also founded the Lonnie Smith Baseball Academy, which provides baseball instruction to young players.

Overall, Lonnie Smith was a talented baseball player who had a successful career in the Major Leagues. He was known for his speed and his ability to steal bases, and he helped lead several teams to postseason success. Despite his struggles with addiction, Smith was able to overcome his challenges and make a positive impact on the game of baseball.

⚾

Related Content

Stories, Photos, Videos, Podcasts, and Publications featuring Lonnie Smith Biography

F i l t e r   &   S o r t  Filter & Sort

F i l t e r

Broadcasting Broadcasting Celebrations Celebrations Highlights Highlights Radio Radio

S o r t

AABC

S e a r c h

0 matches

1982 St. Louis Cardinals Celebration & Highlights

58 minutes 1982

In 1982, the sports broadcasting landscape was graced by the iconic voice of Jack Buck,...

1982 St. Louis Cardinals Celebration & Highlights / In 1982, the sports broadcasting landscape was graced by the iconic voice of Jack Buck, whose vivid narrations and heartfelt enthusiasm captured the essence of baseball like few others could. This particular year was momentous for Jack Buck and the St. Louis Cardinals, as it marked a significant period in both their trajectories. Buck, having been the voice of the Cardinals since the late 1950s, brought not just experience but a deep connection to the team and its fanbase to his broadcasts. The 1982 season saw the Cardinals clinch their first World Series title since 1967, a victory that was not just a win but a resurgence of the team's prominence in Major League Baseball. The celebration and highlights broadcast of the 1982 St. Louis Cardinals encapsulate the jubilation and the strategic masterstrokes that defined their season. Through Jack Buck's narrative, listeners are transported to key moments that defined the Cardinals' journey to victory, from dramatic playoff games to the final out that sealed their World Series triumph. His commentary does not just recount events; it revives the emotions and the electric atmosphere of the stadium, making it a timeless piece for any baseball aficionado or historian of the sport. This broadcast remains a testament to Buck’s legendary career and his ability to weave the thrill of the game into every word he spoke.