The Los Angeles Dodgers announced they will induct 1981 World Series winner Reggie Smith into the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” in the upcoming season.
“Legends of Dodger Baseball” is a program similar to a team-specific hall of fame, where the Dodgers immortalize iconic players with a permanent plaque at Dodger Stadium to recognize their efforts for the team.
There are currently nine members of the club: Don Newcombe, Steve Garvey, Fernando Valenzuela, Maury Willis, Kirk Gibson, Manny Mota, Orel Hersheiser, Dusty Baker and Ron Key.
Smith’s induction will come Aug. 15, when the Dodgers take on the Milwaukee Brewers.
When did Reggie Smith Play for the Dodgers?
Smith, who grew up in L.A. and graduated from Centennial High School in Compton, played in parts of six seasons for the Dodgers from 1976-81, originally joining the team via trade from the St. Louis Cardinals and departing upon reaching free agency.
Having grown up in the L.A. area, Smith always considered himself a Dodger fan.
“I tell people I was a Dodger before I became Dodger, growing up here in LA and the fact that this is your favorite team because of Jackie,” Smith said. “So I got to come home in the prime of my career when my folks got to see me play when I was at my best. I was wearing my boyhood idol’s uniform.”
During his time with the Dodgers, Smith made three All-Star Games, finished Top 5 in MVP voting twice, and won the World Series with L.A. He predominantly played in the outfield for the Dodgers, but spent some time at first base during his final season.
He hit 97 homers with the Dodgers, logging 301 RBIS and slashing .297/.387/.528 for a .915 OPS — the highest he had with a single team throughout his career.
Before playing for the Dodgers and Cardinals, Smith played eight seasons with the Boston Red Sox. He ended his MLB career in 1982 with the San Francisco Giants. Fittingly, the final game of his 17-year MLB career came against the Dodgers.
Throughout his career, Smith hit 314 home runs, tallied 1,092 RBIs and had a .855 OPS. He is a seven-time All-Star and a Gold Glover.
