Carl Reginald Smith was born on the 2nd of April 1945 in Shreveport Louisiana, His parents were Lonnie and Nellie Smith. His dad had played one year in the Negro American League as a catcher for the Jacksonville Red Caps. Both of his parents were capable musicians. The family moved to Los Angeles when he was a child.
Their new neighborhood, known then as Zone “61”, is now South-Central LA. It also had a lot of highly competitive baseball teams. One of them was led by Chet Brewer. They were called the Chet Brewer Pirates. Brewer had been a pitcher in the Negro Leagues. He had a 13-year career. His best years were his first 6 with the Kansas City Monarchs. He posted a 51-28 record for them.
Brewer had decided that his post career work would be working with children. He would use the game to get them involved in the community, meanwhile kicking butt on the baseball field. He recruited Smith when Reggie was only 15. Reggie only played on Sundays for the Pirates, and the rest of the week he worked in his dad’s egg-delivery business. He worked with the team enough though that he got an education about the professional baseball players way of life. Some of Brewer’s old teammates would drop by and help and then discuss baseball and tell stories afterwards. Reggie’s post career life would parallel that of his mentors.
Reggie played high school sports at Centennial High School. He was an All-California pick in baseball as a SS and also earned the same honor in football. He was signed as a free agent in June of 1963. His father was ill and wanted his son to have his dream and go to college, but Reggie wanted to help that family and could do that with the money he made playing baseball. Reggie was sent to Wytheville in the Appalachian League. He hit .257 in 66 games and was left unprotected in the Rule-5 draft. The Red Sox snapped him up.
He ascended the Sox system and by 1966 he was at Toronto, the Sox top farm team where he played for Dick Williams on a championship team. Smith led the league in hitting with a .320 mark. “He had a hell of an arm, even if he played SS” said Williams. The Sox manager, Billy Herman, wanted to make him a pitcher. But he was Williams CF and he really could play. At that point in time, he was just learning to switch hit.
Reggie was a late season call-up, but only got into a few games. He got his first three MLB hits off of Fritz Peterson of the Yankees. The Sox finished 9th, but Reggie was definitely part of their youth movement. Williams took over as the Sox manager in 67, and he wanted Smith as his CF. He had also brought Mike Andrews with him to play 2nd base, but Andrews was injured, so Smith started back in the infield. He and the Sox got off to a slow start, but he got hot and so did the team as they finished with a strong run. He had his first career homer from each side of the plate game on August 20th. He hit one from the right side off of George Brunet, a three-run shot, and then he hit one off of Pete Cimino, a two-run shot, that helped the Sox pummel the Angels 12-2. He finished the year with a .246/15/61 line. He hit two homers in the World Series and slugged .542 in the losing effort.
In 1968 he led the league in doubles with 37, and earned his first gold glove for his work in CF. He had a .265/15/69 line for the year. He was even better in 69, he hit .309/25/93. While progressing steadily as a player, there were other challenges that were faced. The pressure of being a professional athlete in Boston was amplified by racial prejudice and bigotry. The Sox were the last team to integrate. And Reggie was one of the very first players brought up with star potential.
Above Williams and the GM, Dick O’Connell, the front office and ownership was notoriously prejudiced. Even Jackie Robinson, who played alongside Williams with the Dodgers, said he could not root for the Red Sox because owner, Tom Yawkey, was one of the most bigoted guys in baseball. Boston Globe op-ed editor, Marty Nolan, sarcastically referred to the Red Sox as ” The Klavern”, a term the Ku Klux Klan used for their regional chapters.
The team itself was somewhat cliquish, but not by perceived ethnicity. Smith’s closest friend and fishing buddy was Yastrzemski. John Curtis, former Red Sox pitcher said ” the race relations in the club house were not all that bad, it was the front office where all of the bigotry was festering. I do not remember one teammate making a racist remark to Reggie while I was a Red Sox player.”
The Boston fans were another matter entirely. Most of them shared the front offices views. Bill “Spaceman” Lee said that Smith used to receive hate mail that started out with a racial epithet and got worse from there. He used to wear a batting helmet in the field to protect himself from objects thrown by his own fans. They threw batteries and heated coins at him. One night some fans drove to his house and emptied the garbage cans he had put out for pickup onto his lawn. That was when John Curtis realized living in Boston was a lot different for Smith than it was for him. As a result, Reggie waged an ongoing war with the Boston fans. That ended when in October of 1973, the Sox traded Reggie to the Cardinals with Ken Tatum for Bernie Carbo and Rick Wise.
Life was easier in St. Louis. One of the big reasons were two of the Cardinals big stars were Lou Brock and Bob Gibson. Being on the same field with a player like Gibson, who was as fierce a competitor as any I have ever seen, Reggie was able to channel his energy. He always felt he was more of an NL type player. Gibson nicknamed him “Spike”, after the unyielding guard dog in the Bugs Bunny cartoons. Because the Cardinals had Bake McBride in CF, they moved Reggie to RF, and he played there most of the time the rest of his career. The Cards finished 1 1/2 games behind the Pirates. Reggie had a very good season with a .309/23/100 line, and he made the All-Star team for the third time.
Reggie’s teammates loved his competitive spirit. The also often spoke of his great work ethic and skills. Teammate and former Dodger, Ted Sizemore, became a seer of sorts when he said he thought Smith would be a pretty good hitting coach someday. Reggie still had issues with the fans sometimes, but it never kept him from performing at a high level. His average dropped a few points to .302 in 1975. He slugged 19 homers and drove in 76. Because of the teams struggles, he played some games at 1st base.
In 1976, the team and Reggie were struggling. He was hitting only .218. Fearing they would not be able to re-sign him after the season when he became a free agent, they traded him in June to his hometown Dodgers for C Joe Ferguson and a couple of minor leaguers. In 65 games with LA, he hit .280 with 10 homers to bring his season stats to .253/18/49. Far below his usual production.
1977 was Reggie’s best year offensively. He was the hub of a potent offense that for the first time featured 4 players hitting 30 or more home runs. Smith posted a .307/32/87 line and had an OPS+ of 168. A career high. He brought a quiet intensity to a rather quiet clubhouse. His teammates appreciated his competitiveness. Most of them marveled at his desire to always be learning something new, and then mastering it. Smith plays seven instruments. He got his pilot’s license; he also became a very good photographer. Anything he tried; he became very good at. Reggie was one of the brighter offensive players in the World Series, hitting .273 and slamming 3 homers in the losing effort to the Yankees.
In 1978, the Dodgers would advance to the series again. Smith did his part with a .295/29/93 line. His OPS+ of 162 was second in the league. Once again, LA lost to the Yanks in the series. Smith this time was a non-factor. Getting only 5 hits in 25 at bats. He did have a homer and 5 RBI’s. At age 33 he was losing some of his range in the outfield. In 1979, Reggie was injured in mid-season, and as a result, he only played in 68 games.
Hoping for better things in 1980, he worked hard in the offseason to get better physically. He was much better in 1980, .322/15/55. But he got injured again, and by July he was done as an everyday player. He would return in 81, but only got into 41 games. He had 5 plate appearances in the three-postseason series. He had 2 hits and 2 RBI’s. After the season, he was not re-signed and became a free agent. Now 36 years old, he signed with the Giants. The Giants manager was Frank Robinson. Reggie had a solid season for SF .284/18/56. Robinson was the only other player who had appeared in All-Star and World Series games in both leagues. Reggie finished his MLB career with a .287/314/1092 line. His lone Championship ring came with the 81 team.
In 1983 He signed with the Yomiuri Giants. In a dark literary twist of fate, ended his career in back in a racially hostile environment. In spite of injury, he produced at a .285/.409/.627 rate in part-time play. The team’s owner, Matsutaro Shoriki, said it was Smith’s contributions that helped them win the pennant. But beanball incidents, an on-field brawl, disputes with the umpires’ large strike zone for African players, and racial epithets from fans that escalated to a physical attack on Smith and his son, cast a pall over all of his contributions. He played one more year in Japan, and then hung them up.
After his retirement in 1984, he drifted away from baseball for a while. Then in 1993, he became the field coordinator for the Dodgers minor league system. In 1994, he became the big clubs hitting coach. He served in that position until 1999. He coached the 2000 Olympic baseball team that won the gold medal. he was also the batting coach for the 2006 team in the World Baseball Classic.
Reggie’s passion though is teaching, and in that capacity, he opened a baseball camp in 1995, and then the Reggie Smith Baseball Center in Encino in 1998. It is still going strong. Reggie is very active in charity work, and stages different events to raise funds. He coached the NL All-Stars in 2021 as part of Dave Roberts staff. He has turned down several offers for major league positions to concentrate on his charitable work and teaching young ballplayers. The man with the fire to win and compete at the top level is passing his passion for the game on to a new generation.
Discussion (26)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Nice write-up on Reggie, Bear. Always enjoyed watching him play.
Okay, I’m sad about Bellinger, but I get it. It was the right call. Whatever reason he fell into that rut, he had years to correct it and never did. Still a lot of upside, but you can’t waste that kind of money on non-productive bats.
Still think they bring back JT, but the kids will get the opportunity to play. It’s a great group, so why not? If not now, when?
Andrew Friedman may like his options at shortstop and why wouldn’t he, the board offers plenty of options. But slowly they will begin to disappear and he’ll have to make a decision. Gavin Lux at short. Bring back Trea Turner or move on to other FAs like Carlos Correa, Dansby Swanson or Xander Bogaerts.
Just not a fan of Correa, but he’s probably the best choice other than Turner. No to Dansby and Xander. Correa and Turner will cost more. Maybe they’ll go full youth and move Lux. Try to boost starting pitching with Justin Verlander. Costly, but short term deal. I like the upcoming pitchers the Dodgers have. If DeGrom could stay healthy, he would be a difference maker. But that’s a big IF. Verlander wouldn’t cost a draft pick and it would be short term.
This may be the most interesting LA off-season in awhile. Looking forward to watching it unfold.
Expect the unexpected.
Regarding Judge I think there’s a 1% chance he becomes a Dodger. Friedman and team are in the mix to make sure the Yankees/Giants pay maximize $’s
The Belli move is tough but the right one for a team that aspires to win titles. Last year i did not like the feeling of wondering if several of our “star” players would be healthy or in a slump — Belli, JT, and Muncy — when the playoffs started.
Only Muncy is left to deal with.
I am probably in the minority, but I don’t want to see Muncy as our regular 3rd baseman. He does not hit enough HR’s to offset his .200 avg and walks are great and all, but not from a corner infield position.
Lastly, Muncy’s fielding is avg at best. I am, of course, using eye test bc the official scorers are very kind. Muncy does not snag the lasers down the 3rd base line and when he can’t handle the rocket hit directly at him, it’s often score as a hit. Finally, Muncy is below avg and fielding bunts and slow rollers.
Muncy should be deployed as a utility player.
Bellinger was ranked 21st best CF in 2021 and ranked 9th best in 2022 based on outs above average. Defensive metrics are subjective and volatile. To me Bellinger is an above average defensive CF but not elite or gold glove level.
I still would like to have Bellinger back at a reduced rate but Scott Boras makes it very unlikely.
The most surprising move to me was non tendering Rios who was only due $1.4 million. Rios hit 7 HR in 27 games last year.
The Dodgers have lost roughly half of their opening day 2022 roster and playoff rosters without any replacements yet.
Pretty major restructuring for a team that won 111 games.
Many here defend Bellinger because of his “gold glove” defense. But many of his stats say otherwise. I didnt see his name as a finalist in the gold glove awards. And his dwar of .5 and defensive runs saved of 0 speak otherwise. He’s a good defender and with his offensive woes certsinly isnt worth anywhere 18 mil. I wish him the best but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him out of baseball in the next couple of years unless someone can help him totally redo that swing.
Dodgers have huge needs now. CF, ss, 3b. Three of the most important defensive positions on a baseball team.
Interesting weeks and decisions aheand. Been some time when we went into the offseason with such glaring needs on our roster.
My wish list over the winter: Sign deGrom for 2-3 years (assuming here that BAuer will remain suspended).
Sign that hard throwing Japanese starter.
Sign one out of this years ss class (TT, Bogards, Swanson or Correia) .
Fill the rest of the roster with our kids. Vargas in LF or 3b. Outman in LF or CF. Busch off the bench.
Play more of some old kind of Dodgers baseball, great pitching, manufactoring some runs.
If we need reinforcements at the deadline make some deals.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well I totally fanned on that prediction. But I wish Cody the best wherever he ends up. Replacing his bat is not all that hard, but there is not a CF on the free agent market except maybe Kiermaier who has his defensive skills. Trouble is Kiermaier is 33 years old. Outman will probably get the first shot at the job. Was surprised they non-tendered Rios until I remembered how often he has been hurt. I am ok with Belli moving on as long as he moves out of the division. Because I have a belief this could come back and bite them on the butt like Pederson did in the playoffs in 21.
DODGERS NON-TENDER CODY BELLINGER
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers have non-tendered outfielders Cody Bellinger and Luke Williams, as well as infielder Edwin Ríos.
Bellinger, 27, played in 144 games for the Dodgers last season, hitting .210 (106-for-504) with 27 doubles, 19 homers and 68 RBI. The Arizona native won the National League Rookie of the Year in 2017, hitting .267 with a National League rookie record 39 homers. In 2019, he won the National League Most Valuable Player Award, slashing .305/.406/.629 with 47 homers and 115 RBI. During that campaign, he became the only player in franchise history win the MVP, Rawlings Gold Glove and Louisville Silver Slugger in the same season. He spent parts of six seasons with the Dodgers, hitting a combined .248 with 152 homers and 422 RBI. He was drafted by the Dodgers in the fourth round of the 2013 First Year Player Draft out of Hamilton High School.
Williams, 26, was selected off waivers by the Dodgers on November 8. He played in 79 games last season with San Francisco and Miami. He began the season with the Giants, hitting .250 with three RBI before being designated for assignment on May 21. He finished the season with the Marlins, hitting .235 (27-for-115) with four doubles, one homer and three RBI. He has been in the Major Leagues parts of two seasons, hitting a combined .240 (54-for-225) with nine doubles, two homers and 12 RBI. In seven minor league seasons, he has hit a combined .241 with 24 homers and 174 RBI in 486 games. He was originally drafted in the third round of the 2015 First Year Player Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Ríos, 28, played in 27 games for the Dodgers last season, recording seven homers and 17 RBI. He missed most of the season with a right hamstring strain and finished the campaign with Triple-A Oklahoma City, hitting a combined .259 with nine homers and 39 RBI. He has spent parts of four seasons with the Dodgers, clubbing 20 homers and recording 43 RBI in 112 games. In six minor league seasons with the Dodgers, he hit a combined .291 with 104 homers and 365 RBI. He was drafted by the Dodgers in the sixth round of the 2015 First Year Player Draft out of Florida International University.
I guess as fans we tend to overvalue our guys! I think AF and his team know a lot more than we do!
Know there is a lot of differing opinions on Belli and his likely departure. So, I will weigh in with my view as longtime Dodger fan – I don’t like it! To let a talent like that go who has not performed at his pervious high levels but is just 27 years old to move-on is stupid IMO!
Perhaps there is something behind the scenes I am unaware of about his physical condition, work ethic, inability to adapt the hitting coaches’ instructions, etc. – I don’t know. I just wish him success wherever he lands and won’t be the least bit surprised if he comes back in a new uniform someday and makes us all regret this move!
Really good stuff from Friedman:
Was getting the payroll under CBT a factor in the decision to non-tender Cody Bellinger? Dodgers Andrew Friedman: “I think payroll considerations factor into every decision that every team makes. If you look back over the last 7, 8 years it’s probably factored in less for us than it has for the other 29 teams. But it’s still a factor and there’s still things that we always have to balance and juggle and try to put ourselves in position to have the best team possible when we get to Glendale.
Friedman said the Dodgers had conversations with Cody Bellinger’s agent Scott Boras, as well as “other teams” for a possible trade, leading up to today’s deadline, obviously, the non-tender meant we didn’t line up on anything. Also said the decision to non-tender Edwin Rios was based on a lack of “fit” on #Dodgers roster with left-handed hitters James Outman and Michael Busch having emerged on the 40-man roster
And did Dodgers give up on Rios as well?
I’m OK with Cody being non-tendered. You cannot a pay guy $18 million whose numbers over the last two years with 900 ABs = .193/.256/.355. Of 186 players with at least 750 AB’s over the last two years only Jackie Bradley and Maikel Franco have a worse on-base %.
Non-tendering Cody was a no brainer for the FO. I believe when I proffered just yesterday that I didn’t think he would be tendered one response from a fellow blogger was there were two chances Cody would be non-tendered…slim and non-existent……he’ll get another shot.
Perhaps but most likely not in Dodger Blue.
I can’t see Judge turning down a Yankee offer. I would prefer the Dodgers not sign him. He’ll be 31 next year, he’s had several injuries in the past, and being a big guy most likely would be a bad contract after 4-5 years at best. I like the Brian Reynolds option.
Bluto, I think they are OK at SS with either Lux and/or Amaya. At 3B Vargas and/or Muncy should be fine. I would like to see a veteran ace starter added. We have 3-4 starter prospects that should be given some consideration. Either give them a chance or trade them for that veteran starter. The BP should be good to go with an addition or two. Again, AF drafted several BP prospects four years ago. What happened to them? I hope AF stops signing these broken down rehab long shots for the staff. How many times did we hear that all these pitchers were going to be healthy and ready for the playoffs? NOT!
The Dodgers should give all these prospects that has the team having a top #1,#2, #3 or whatever rated system the chance to play or trade them. Give them a chance to be big leaguers somewhere. I’m willing to see the team go with some talented youth even if their win total drops into the high 80’s, low 90’s. Surely, with Betts, Freeman, Muncy, Lux, and Smith as the foundation the team should be able to reach those numbers and still get into the playoffs.
Carry on.
Boras would never have Bellinger sign back with the Dodgers. That would be admitting defeat! He’ll sign somewhere else and Boras will declare it a victory
Heyman:
Word going around now is Dodgers will make a run at Aaron Judge. Logical with $100M now off the books with Bellinger, Kimbrel, Anderson, Heaney, Price and 2 Turners off the roster. Needs include SS, 3B, SPs, RP and now OF
There is still a chance that both Cody and JT will be back next year, not a good chance but a chance. They can still sign with the Dodgers. Remember how much Freedman likes to play chess?
50/50 Chance Jake Reed is still on the roster for Opening Day?
Absolutely the right decision.
F-it. Replace all the players with a weak free-agent class. It’ll be interesting to see what Belli gets on the open market. I guess they’re going the “How can Outman be any worse?” route.
Released! So much for the LADT opinions. Good luck Cody! It was a wild ride!
Dodgers will non tender Belly
As did Giolito and Flaherty. How good was that team!
Reggie Smith runs a baseball academy in Encino, California, where he trains youth players, including Max Fried and Austin Wilson.
Pretty sure Reggie either works at or with the Harvard Westlake School.
Thanks Bear for ‘fresh’ write up on Reggie. He was one of my favs (along w JWynn) growing up. One of Freds better trades that really beefed up the middle of the order. Loved that he was switch hitter and could rake equally from both sides. Glad he stayed in organization, been good ambassador.