Here’s a “missing” 1976 card for a guy I always remember as a Baltimore Oriole, infielder Billy Smith:
Turns out Smith came up as a California Angel and appeared in 59 games for them during the 1975 season.
In that time he batted .203 with 29 hits over 143 at-bats, getting his
first taste of Major League ball which would last for another five
seasons, ending with a few dozen games with the San Francisco Giants in
1981.
In between he saw the most action as a pro with the Orioles between 1977
and 1979, playing both second and shortstop playing about half a
seasons worth of games each year.
For his career, he ended up with a .230 batting average with 234 hits
over 1018 at-bats in 370 games, scoring 107 runs while driving 111 runs.
Billy Smith was an outstanding utility guy with the Baltimore Orioles during the late 1970's. He was a great pick up for a then small market team.
ReplyDeleteYou've created a new Billy Smith rookie card -- on his original team, no less. The actual version put out by Topps came out two years later in 1978. Cool!
ReplyDeleteThis is really neat to see, Really appreciate Your kindness.
ReplyDeleteThis is my Dad. I am looking for his baseball memorabilia that is out there in the web realm for my first son’s nursery.
Blessings,
Ashlee