From an early age, longtime Chicago Cubs closer Lee Smith seemed destined for greatness. Having been scouted by Negro League Legend Buck O’Neil and molded mechanically by Fergie Jenkins, Smith quickly became a formidable closer throughout the 1980s and into the ’90s.
Smith began his Major League career in 1980 after being drafted in the second round of the 1975 Amateur Draft by the Cubs. Initially utilized as a reliever and a spot starter, Smith became the Cubs’ full-time closer by 1983 after successfully earning the role after beating out teammates Willie Hernandez and Bill Campbell.