Harry Smythe

William Henry Smythe

• Bats Left, Throws Left
• Height 5' 10½", Weight 179 lb.

• Debut July 21, 1929
• Final Game June 26, 1934
• Born October 24, 1904 in Augusta, GA USA
• Died August 28, 1980 in Augusta, GA USA

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Biographical Information

Harry Smythe had the misfortune to come up as a pitcher in a hitter's park during the liveliest time of a lively ball era. His ERA of 5.24 in 1929 with the 1929 Phillies was actually fourth best on the team, and while his 1930 ERA of 7.79 was not as impressive, the team ERA was 6.71 and he was nowhere near the worst on the team.

In 1934 he came back to the majors to spend part of the season with the 1934 Yankees, in Babe Ruth's last year with the team. He was selected off waivers in mid-season by the Brooklyn Dodgers, and later that season sold to Montreal.

Harry had a very long minor league career, beginning in 1922 and ending in 1947. In 1959 he was elected to the International League Hall of Fame.

In 1936, he played for the Montreal Royals and, for the last 39 games, was the player-manager. The team finished 6th and under Smythe's guidance posted a record of 16 wins and 21 losses.