Frank Smith (smithfr06)

Frank Thomas Smith

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 3", Weight 200 lb.

• Debut April 18, 1950
• Final Game May 13, 1956
• Born April 4, 1928 in Pierrepont Manor, NY USA
• Died September 24, 2005 in Malone, FL USA

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Biographical Information

Frank Smith was the first Smith to arrive in the majors since 1947 when he came up with the Cincinnati Reds in 1950. The 6' 3" right-hander was used exclusively out of the bullpen from 1950 to 1954, appearing in an even 50 games three times in 1951, 1953 and 1954 and making it into a career high 53 contests in 1952 when he went 12-11. Overall he was 35-33 plus 44 saves with a high of 20 in 1954.

Frank who had been a starter in the minors and led the South Atlantic League in victories (21-6) for the Columbus Red Birds of the American Association in 1948, was with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1955 before returning to Cincinnati to appear in a couple of final games in 1956.

Known for his sidearm delivery, Frank became one of baseball's first closers in the 1950s. After baseball he made his home in Clearwater, FL and became a salesman for automobile and boat dealerships. He died on September 24, 2005 in Malone, FL at age 77 after battling leukemia.