Earl Smith (smithea01)

Earl Leonard Smith
(Sheriff)

• Bats Both, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11", Weight 170 lb.

• Debut September 12, 1916
• Final Game August 6, 1922
• Born January 20, 1891 in Oak Hill, OH USA
• Died March 13, 1943 in Portsmouth, OH USA

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Biographical Information

"Sheriff" Earl Smith played seven seasons in the big leagues, getting over 1,500 at-bats, mostly for the St. Louis Browns. He appeared at all three outfield positions as well as playing third base.

He was technically traded for Frank Ellerbe on May 31, 1921, but the deal was actually announced after the St. Louis Browns' game on May 29. Smith traveled with the team from St. Louis to Chicago - and played for the Browns - before heading east with the team after the May 31 game, which is when the trade became official.

Smith was born in Oak Hill, OH in southern Ohio near the West Virginia border. His minor league career spanned 20 seasons, including nine years at Minneapolis. He was still hitting over .300 at age 44 in 1935.

Earl also took a whirl at pitching in 1922 for Topeka, winning 20 games and losing 18.

Smith managed the Denver Bears (1932), Huntington Boosters (1933), Charleroi Tigers (1935), and Bluefield Blue-Grays (1938). He also umpired in the Middle Atlantic League in 1937.

He is not to be confused with another player of the same name who was in the majors at the same time, Earl "Oil" Smith, or another later player, Earl Calvin Smith.

Related Sites

Find-A-Grave Memorial for Earl Smith