Bob Smith (smithbo07)

Robert Smith
(Bob, Jake, Turkey)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 10", Weight 170 lb.

• Debut 1930
• Final Game 1944
• Born 1907 in Alabama USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Bob Smith played in the Negro Leagues from 1930-1944, primarily as a backup catcher. He also saw action in both the infield and outfield.

Smith got his start with the Birmingham Black Barons in 1930 and moved along to the 1931 Cleveland Cubs, 1932 Nashville Elite Giants, Memphis Red Sox in 1933 and Cincinnati Tigers in 1935. He hit .278 as the starting catcher for the Red Sox in 1936 then was a backup with them in 1937. In 1938, he bounced between Memphis and the Chicago American Giants (hitting .400 as an outfielder - had he qualified, he would have tied Pep Young for the Negro American League lead in average). He played third base for the West in the unofficial second 1938 East-West Game. Smith played for the 1939 and 1940 St. Louis Stars and 1941 New Orleans-St. Louis Stars then split 1942 between Memphis and Chicago. He was Chicago's starting catcher in 1944 but hit only .167 to end his career.