Jay Smith (minors04)

Jay R. Smith

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 185 lb.
• School Florida Southern College
• High School Boca Ciega High School

• Born 1952

Biographical Information

Jay Smith pitched two years in the minors after a fine amateur career.

Smith was drafted in the 16th round of the 1969 amateur draft by the Chicago Cubs but did not sign. In the January phase of the 1970 amateur draft, he went in the 7th round to the Baltimore Orioles but again did not sign.

Smith led all pitchers in the 1971 Pan American Games with 21 strikeouts, helping Team USA win a Silver Medal. He then won MVP honors in the 1972 Division II College World Series. He was also named to the ABCA All-American team as one of the top pitchers in NCAA Division II. In the 1972 Amateur World Series, he won 4 games to again help Team USA to Silver; he tied Braudilio Vinent and Richard A. Smith for the most wins in the Series.

Smith was drafted for a third time, in the 8th round of the 1973 amateur draft, taken by the San Diego Padres. This time, he came to a deal. Assigned to the Walla Walla Padres, he helped them to a Northwest League title, going 8-5 with a 2.81 ERA. In 111 innings, he struck out 100 and walked 28. Smith was 7th in the NWL in ERA, tied for 4th in wins and fifth in strikeouts. He also was 1 for 2 at the plate.

In 1974, Jay jumped up to AA with the Alexandria Aces. He went 1-6 with a 3.80 ERA, walking 18 in 64 innings while allowing 70 hits and striking out 33. It was the end of Smith's career, due to a shoulder injury.

Sources

• 1974-1975 Baseball Guides
• A History of Cuban Baseball by Peter Bjarkman
• The Sporting News archives at Paper of Record