Hal Smith (smithha09)

Harold Raymond Smith
(Cura)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11½", Weight 189 lb.
• School Fort Smith Junior College
• High School Fort Smith High School
• Debut May 2, 1956
• Final Game July 8, 1965
• Born June 1, 1931 in Barling, AR USA
• Died April 12, 2014 in Fort Smith, AR USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Hal Smith is the brother of minor leaguers Tommy Smith, a catcher, and Ron Smith, Jr., an infielder.

After signing with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1949, Smith missed the 1951 season due to military service. In June 1961, he was placed on the disabled list after a heart condition was diagnosed. He was made a Cardinals coach in 1962, a minor league instructor in 1963, and managed the 1964 Rock Hill Cardinals. He was a Pittsburgh Pirates coach from 1965 to 1967, Cincinnati Reds coach in 1968 and 1969, Cardinal scout from 1970 to 1975, and Milwaukee Brewers coach in 1976 and 1977. While coaching with the Pirates in 1965, he was reactivated for a short time in July, going hitless in 4 games.

He physically resembled and is easily confused with another Hal Smith, who was also a catcher and an exact contemporary, both playing regularly around the same time.

Notable Achievements

• 2-time NL All-Star (1957 & 1959)

Related Sites

• Hal Smith at the SABR Bio Project