LAS VEGAS — Chicago's list of prestigious Hall of Fame athletes grew larger by two names this week as former Cubs pitcher Lee Smith and former White Sox designated hitter Harold Baines were both handed the game's highest honor at the MLB Winter Meetings in Las Vegas.
But in the case of Smith, it almost didn't happen.
The affable former closer was cracking joke after joke at his Hall of Fame press conference Monday afternoon inside the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. He also talked about how he wouldn't even be sitting at the podium if not for a conversation with Cubs legend Billy Williams.
When asked how he found his niche as a reliever, Smith responded with:
For myself, back in the day, when I was — all of my idols playing Major League Baseball were starting pitchers in the Bob Gibsons and the Fergie Jenkinses and the Nolan Ryans, where you wanted to be a starting pitcher because in that era it was somewhat a slap in the face being a relief pitcher, because usually the starter went to the complete game, or if he didn't, he got knocked around and it was like a mop-up role.
And luckily Mr. Billy Williams came to my home and asked me into — I actually quit playing baseball, and Billy Williams came to my home and talked me into coming back playing. And like I said earlier — we're on the air, I can't exactly what he said to me, but — and so, in turn, he said, hey, you haven't done anything in this game yet; go out there and earn your place.
And the rest is history. I love it.
Smith still holds the Cubs franchise lead in saves by a wide margin, with his 180 dwarfing the 133 put up by the runner-up (Bruce Sutter).
Smith ranks third in franchise history with 458 appearances with the Cubs, behind Charlie Root and - believe it or not - Carlos Marmol, who pitched in 483 games with the Cubs.
The 61-year-old said Chicago was home and still keeps in touch with members of the Cubs franchise, calling them "family, not friends."
Smith also confirmed shortly after getting the call from the Hall he will be wearing a Cubs hat in Cooperstown:
Smith pitched for the Cubs from 1980 to 1987 before moving on to the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, California Angels, Cincinnati Reds and Montreal Expos.