Dodgers: More on Will Smith’s Call Up to Los Angeles
While he didn’t enter the game on Monday, the Will Smith experience arrived at Dodger Stadium. As game time approached we learned a few nuggets surrounding the young catcher as he spoke with media before Monday’s contest vs the Mets.
First, he offered up some feelings on his call up.
Will Smith has an even tempered personality, but said earlier today he was excited about his call up "The last 12-24 hours has been awesome, soaking it in a little bit. A little anxious to get here and kind of get rolling, but here now and looking forward to being part of it."
— . (@THEREAL_DV) May 27, 2019
Moreover, he added an assessment of the club.
Will Smith was asked to provide a "general assessment of this Dodger team."
Smith: "They're pretty good."
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) May 27, 2019
Uniform number
Importantly, we learned what uniform number he would be wearing for the Dodgers.
#Dodgers catcher Will Smith will wear Andre Ethier's old No. 16
Do it proud! #LABleedsBlue pic.twitter.com/4shzT6iXQ0
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) May 27, 2019
Yes, number 16 was most recently and famously worn by long-time Dodger Andre Ethier, who donned the number for 12 seasons — the longest by anyone in franchise history. #uselessfacts
Second most was Brooklyn pitcher Van Mungo from 1932-1940. #moreuselessfacts
MLB Debut
The 24 year-old Smith will be making his official MLB debut today against the Mets.
Roberts said he expects Will Smith to be catching tomorrow night.
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) May 27, 2019
The first pitcher he will ever catch in a major league game will be Rich Hill, and the first pitcher he will ever face is lined up to be Steven Matz of the Mets.
Will Smith season is here.
WILL SMITH CALLUP SZN pic.twitter.com/TGUKDbmhkf
— Future Dodgers (@FutureDodgers) May 27, 2019
“Wally Pipp”, most of you are probably not old enough to understand. Go Dodgers
Great debut Will….2 for 4 including a double, caught 1 of 2 base stealers. Glad you are here!
Gary, if he continues to impress, he could make some decisions difficult as far as the catching goes on the MLB roster. But I have a feeling that once Barnes is activated Smith will go back to OKC where he could be the starting catcher there instead of sitting on the pine up here.