Dave Smith

David Stanley Smith (January 21, 1955 - December 17, 2008) was a Major League Baseball relief pitcher. Smith was born in Richmond, California and attended San Diego State University. He was drafted in the 8th Round (169th overall) of the 1976 draft. Most of his major league career was spent with the Houston Astros from 1980-1990. He only started one game in his career, and was the team's primary closer from 1985 on. Smith was selected for the Nat... more

David Stanley Smith (January 21, 1955 - December 17, 2008) was a Major League Baseball relief pitcher. Smith was born in Richmond, California and attended San Diego State University. He was drafted in the 8th Round (169th overall) of the 1976 draft. Most of his major league career was spent with the Houston Astros from 1980-1990. He only started one game in his career, and was the team's primary closer from 1985 on. Smith was selected for the National League All-Star team for both the 1986 and 1990 seasons. He holds the Astros record for games pitched (586) and is second in team history with 199 saves. At the end of his career, he played for the Chicago Cubs. His career won-loss record finished at 53-53. After his playing career ended, he briefly served as a pitching coach for the San Diego Padres. Smith died of a heart attack on December 17, 2008, in San Diego, California. He is survived by his wife, Alix, and his three children Kellen (26), Cameron (21), and Dakota Maggie (1).... less