Only Hoyt Wilhelm, Rollie Fingers, Dennis Eckersley, Goose Gossage and Bruce Sutter have been inducted into the Hall of Fame based primarily on their relief pitching, and only Sutter was inducted with fewer innings or starting appearances than Smith.
But Smith hasn't gotten much support from the BBWAA. In the 14 previous years that he has been on the ballot, he has not received more than 50 percent of the vote, and last year, he garnered 34.1 percent.
A player's name must appear on at least 75 percent of the ballots to be elected, and voters can list up to 10 names.