Tal Smith is a former baseball executive who had a long and successful career in the sport. He began his career as a player, but quickly transitioned to the front office, where he made his mark as a skilled negotiator and strategist.
Smith's first job in baseball was with the Houston Colt .45s (later renamed the Astros), where he worked as a scout and assistant to the general manager. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the team's general manager in 1975. During his tenure, he oversaw the development of several key players, including Nolan Ryan and Jose Cruz, and helped lead the team to its first division title in 1980.
After leaving the Astros in 1980, Smith worked for several other teams, including the New York Yankees, the Chicago Cubs, and the Baltimore Orioles. He also served as the president of the Major League Baseball Players Association from 1985 to 1988, where he played a key role in negotiating the first collective bargaining agreement between the players and owners.
In 1994, Smith returned to the Astros as the team's president, a position he held until 2001. During his second stint with the team, he oversaw the construction of Minute Maid Park and helped lead the team to its first World Series appearance in 2005.
After leaving the Astros, Smith continued to work in baseball as a consultant and advisor. He was widely respected for his knowledge of the game and his ability to build successful teams. In 2011, he was inducted into the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the sport.
Throughout his career, Smith was known for his dedication to the game and his commitment to fairness and integrity. He was widely respected by players, coaches, and executives alike, and his influence on the sport will be felt for many years to come.
⚾