Mike Smithson – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Mike Smithson towered over most players on the mound at 6-foot-8, making him one of the most striking figures in Major League Baseball during the 1980s. Hailing from Tennessee, he put together an eight-year career in the big leagues, tossing his last pitch in 1989 after playing for the Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins, and Boston Red Sox.

Billy Mike Smithson wrapped up his pro baseball career in 1989, finishing with a 76-86 record and 731 strikeouts over 240 MLB games. The right-hander’s journey from a small Tennessee town to the majors really showcased his athletic versatility and determination to succeed at the sport’s highest level.

Smithson’s story goes from his early days as a multi-sport high school star to his breakthrough seasons with the Minnesota Twins. He led the American League in games started twice and even played a part in one of baseball’s most legendary extra-inning games in the minors.

Early Life and Background

Billy Mike Smithson was born January 21, 1955, in Centerville, Tennessee, a small town about an hour west of Nashville. He grew up in a working-class family and developed his athletic talents at Hickman County High School, eventually earning a basketball scholarship to the University of Tennessee.

Childhood in Centerville, Tennessee

Mike Smithson spent his childhood in Centerville, a quiet town in Hickman County. The population crept up from 1,532 to 1,678 between 1950 and 1960.

Centerville also produced country music legend Minnie Pearl and Cardinals pitcher Dan Griner. His parents, Billie and Margaret Smithson, both worked hard—Billie as a machinist at General Shoe, Margaret as an office clerk for Columbia Credit.

Both Billie and Margaret grew up in Tennessee and provided a stable, supportive home. Mike had an older brother, Don Smithson, born in 1946.

The Smithsons owned a farm, which helped them make ends meet. Growing up in rural Tennessee really shaped Mike’s early years and his work ethic.

Education at Hickman County High School

At Hickman County High, Smithson stood out as an athlete in multiple sports. He was named an all-state athlete twice in basketball, football, and baseball.

His height started to give him a real edge during high school. By then, he’d already started to fill out the tall, lanky frame that would help him as a pitcher.

Smithson’s basketball skills especially stood out, but he was developing as a baseball player at the same time. The mix of height, arm strength, and a serious competitive streak made him a hot prospect for college recruiters.

University of Tennessee Experience

Smithson headed to the University of Tennessee on a basketball scholarship. The basketball program was strong then, making the NCAA tournament in 1976.

He played forward on the varsity squad but didn’t get much time on the court. “Unfortunately for me, I played behind Bernard King, so I didn’t see a lot of playing time. He’s in the Basketball Hall of Fame,” Smithson said later.

Even with limited minutes, he stayed with the basketball program and started looking for other opportunities. During his time at Tennessee, Smithson tried out for the baseball team and made the squad.

That decision ended up shaping his future. He studied Education but hadn’t picked a specific major yet when baseball scouts started to notice him.

In his junior year, Red Sox scout George Digby signed him to play professional baseball. Smithson later realized he actually lost money by signing with Boston since he had to give up his scholarship for his senior year.

Path to Professional Baseball

Mike Smithson’s journey to Major League Baseball started at the University of Tennessee. He initially focused on basketball, but his baseball skills and size quickly drew the eyes of scouts, leading to his selection by the Boston Red Sox in the 1976 draft.

Transition From Basketball to Baseball

Smithson joined the University of Tennessee on a basketball scholarship in the mid-’70s. At 6-foot-8 and 215 pounds, he played forward on the varsity team.

The basketball program was competitive then, making the NCAA tournament in 1976. Smithson, though, spent most of his time on the bench.

“Unfortunately for me, I played behind Bernard King, so I didn’t see a lot of playing time. He’s in the Basketball Hall of Fame,” Smithson once said.

Despite his basketball focus, he gave baseball a shot and tried out for the team. His athleticism translated well to the mound, where he pitched as a right-hander.

That move worked out—scouts started to take notice. His height made him a tough matchup for hitters, giving him a natural advantage.

College Baseball Achievements

Smithson’s college baseball career at Tennessee was short but definitely made an impact. He hadn’t declared a major, just saying, “Education was basically where I was headed.”

His pitching caught the attention of pro scouts. The tall righty showed plenty of promise, even if control sometimes gave him trouble.

In 2009, the University of Tennessee named him to its All Century Team—a nod to his lasting impact.

He cut his college baseball experience short by signing professionally. Later, he figured out that signing early actually cost him money because he lost his senior-year scholarship.

MLB Draft and Minor League Beginnings

The Boston Red Sox picked Smithson in the fifth round of the June 1976 draft. Scout George Digby signed him out of Tennessee during his junior year.

After signing, Smithson joined the Winter Haven Red Sox in the Florida State League. He went 4-3 with a 3.09 ERA in 11 games during his first pro season.

In 1977, he returned to Winter Haven and got even better. He finished 13-8 with a 2.77 ERA in 25 games, showing why scouts liked him.

He also had a quick stint with the Double-A Bristol Red Sox in the Eastern League. That outing didn’t go well—he gave up seven runs in three innings and got “hammered.”

Those early minor league years set the tone for his career. Smithson could be excellent, but consistency was always a challenge in the Red Sox system.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Mike Smithson pitched in the majors for eight seasons, from 1982 to 1989. He put up a 76-86 record in 240 games for three American League teams.

The 6-foot-8 righty led the AL in games started twice and notched 15 wins in his best season with Minnesota.

Debut With the Texas Rangers

Smithson made his major league debut on August 27, 1982, with the Texas Rangers after a trade from Boston. He tossed a complete game in his first start at Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium, losing 3-1 to Jim Palmer but allowing just three runs on eight hits.

He picked up his first MLB win on September 1, 1982, beating the Kansas City Royals 7-3 with another complete game. Smithson told reporters, “This is my first big-league win and nothing short of a hurricane is going to upset me.”

He wrapped up his rookie year with a 3-4 record and a 5.01 ERA in eight starts. The next season, he became a regular starter for Texas, making 33 starts including Opening Day.

He finished 1983 with a 10-14 record and a 3.91 ERA. The Rangers named him Rookie of the Year.

Peak Years with the Minnesota Twins

The Texas Rangers sent Smithson to the Minnesota Twins in December 1983. That’s where he had his most successful seasons.

He became a workhorse for the Twins, leading the American League in starts in both 1984 and 1985. In 1984, Smithson made 36 starts, going 15-13 with a 3.68 ERA.

He tossed his first career shutout against the Rangers, winning 1-0 on September 15. Only teammate Frank Viola won more games for Minnesota that year.

Smithson repeated with 15 wins in 1985, posting a 15-14 record and a 4.34 ERA in 37 starts. He threw three shutouts, including a 1-0 win over the Red Sox at Fenway Park on August 24.

His last season as a regular starter came in 1986, when he finished 13-14 with a 4.77 ERA in 33 starts.

Final MLB Seasons With Boston Red Sox

Smithson started to struggle in 1987 with the Twins. Elbow problems and inconsistency crept in, and he posted a 6.17 ERA.

The Twins sent him down to Triple-A Portland in July after he won just one of his last 14 starts. Minnesota then traded him back to the Boston Red Sox, the team that originally drafted him.

Smithson saw limited action for Boston in 1988 and 1989 as his big league career wound down. He retired after the 1989 season, finishing with a 76-86 record and a 4.64 ERA.

Despite the losing record, Smithson proved to be durable in his prime. He threw over 250 innings in both 1984 and 1985 and served as a reliable starter in the American League.

Notable Achievements and Highlights

Mike Smithson’s eight years in the majors brought some impressive moments, including leading the AL in games started twice and recording multiple 15-win seasons. He contributed to the Minnesota Twins’ 1987 World Series championship team, though that season brought personal challenges.

Significant Games and Milestones

Smithson debuted in the majors on August 27, 1982, against Baltimore at Memorial Stadium. He threw a complete game, allowing just three runs in a 3-1 loss to Hall of Famer Jim Palmer.

His first big league win came a few days later, on September 1, 1982, in Kansas City. Smithson beat the Royals 7-3 with another complete game. Afterward, he said, “This is my first big-league win and nothing short of a hurricane is going to upset me.”

The 6-foot-8 pitcher notched six career shutouts in the majors. One of the most memorable came on September 15, 1984, when he blanked his former team, the Rangers, 1-0 with a six-hitter at Arlington Stadium.

Smithson also faced a scary moment on May 27, 1984. A Jim Gantner line drive hit him on the back of the neck, knocking him out cold for five minutes. “Everything happened in slow motion. All I had time to do was duck my head,” he remembered.

Statistical Career Highlights

Smithson finished with a 76-86 record and a 4.64 ERA over 240 major league games. His best years were with the Minnesota Twins in 1984 and 1985, when he won 15 games each season.

In 1984, Smithson led the AL with 36 starts, posting a 15-13 record and a 3.68 ERA. He also, less fortunately, led the majors by giving up 35 home runs.

The next year, he again led the AL with 37 starts and matched his 15-win total. He threw 257 innings but gave up a league-high 124 earned runs and hit 15 batters, both tops in the majors.

Smithson racked up 41 complete games and struck out 731 batters in his career. He pitched over 200 innings each year from 1983 to 1985, showing real durability as a starter.

Contribution to 1987 Minnesota Twins Championship

Smithson played on the Minnesota Twins roster when they won the 1987 World Series championship. Still, injuries and some tough stretches really limited what he could do that season.

He pitched in just 21 games and started 20 of them. He missed most of May and all of August because of a sore right elbow.

His ERA shot up to 6.17. Out of his last 14 starts, he managed to win only once.

On July 30, 1987, the Twins sent Smithson down to Triple-A Portland even though they were fighting for the division title. They brought in some veteran arms as they chased the championship.

Smithson didn’t get to play in the World Series, but he still received a championship ring as part of the Twins. The team beat the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games, finally grabbing their first World Series title since moving to Minnesota.

Retirement and Life After Baseball

Mike Smithson retired from professional baseball in 1989, starting a new chapter that focused on education and community service. He tried broadcasting for a bit, but then he went back to Tennessee to work with young athletes at his old high school.

Coaching and Broadcasting Roles

After retiring, Smithson explored baseball broadcasting. He offered color commentary for the Nashville Sounds AAA team, sharing his professional perspective with fans.

Broadcasting wasn’t a totally new thing for him. During the Minnesota Twins’ 1987 World Series championship run, Smithson did color commentary after the team left him off the playoff roster. Even though he didn’t play in the postseason, his teammates appreciated him and voted him a full World Series share.

Working with Nashville kept Smithson close to pro baseball. But honestly, his hometown tugged at him more than a media career ever could.

Travel and time away from family just didn’t fit with what he wanted after baseball.

Return to Centerville and Community Involvement

The urge to return to Centerville, Tennessee eventually won out. Smithson and his family moved back to his hometown, the place where he grew up.

This move changed his lifestyle in a big way. Instead of bouncing around the country for games, Smithson could finally focus on his local community.

He wanted to give back to the place that shaped his early life. The transition let him reconnect with his roots in Hickman County.

Smithson came home because he wanted to make a real difference at the grassroots level of sports and education.

Athletic Director at Hickman County High School

Smithson took on the role of Athletic Director at Hickman County High School, the same school where he played basketball, football, and baseball as a student. He juggles a lot of responsibilities within the school’s athletic program.

He looks after the baseball field, which now bears his name, and also coaches basketball. The mix of duties lets him get involved in different sports at the school.

Smithson doesn’t just stick to the office—he pitches in with the hands-on work too.

“I’m where I want to be, doing the things I want to do with the kids and it’s been great,” Smithson said about his job now. He prefers working directly with student-athletes over chasing higher-profile positions.

In 2009, the University of Tennessee honored Smithson’s baseball achievements by naming him to their All Century Team. The award recognized what he did as a Vol and during his pro career.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball

Mike Smithson made his mark on Major League Baseball with his durability as a starter and his role in some memorable moments from the 1980s. At 6-foot-8, he stood out as one of the tallest players in baseball history.

His steady presence in pitching rotations really helped define that era of workhorse pitching.

Reputation as a Workhorse Pitcher

Smithson earned a reputation as one of the most dependable starters during his best years with the Minnesota Twins. The right-handed pitcher led the American League in games started in both 1984 and 1985, with 36 and 37 starts.

He became known for eating up innings. Smithson averaged over 250 innings per season in his prime with Minnesota.

He completed eight games in both 1985 and 1986, showing the stamina managers looked for.

Smithson, who played for the University of Tennessee before going pro, threw several shutouts in his career. The most memorable was probably his 1-0 win over the Red Sox at Fenway Park in 1985.

Even though he led the majors in home runs allowed (35) in 1984, Smithson kept his spot in the rotation.

“When he’s right, it’s no contest with him,” said Red Sox scout Lee Stange, talking about Smithson’s upside. His 6-foot-8 frame gave him a unique delivery, making things tough for hitters during his eight-year career.

Recognition and Honors

Smithson picked up the Texas Rangers Rookie of the Year award in 1983 after his first full season. He finished that year with a 10-14 record and a 3.91 ERA in 33 starts.

He also played a part in baseball’s longest professional game. Smithson threw 3⅔ shutout innings during the famous 33-inning marathon between Pawtucket and Rochester in 1981. He joked later that the game was his ticket to the Hall of Fame.

Smithson had his best season in 1984, winning 15 games for the contending Twins. Only Frank Viola had more wins for Minnesota that year.

Smithson’s durability helped the team finish just three games out of first place in the AL West.

Influence on Future Players

Smithson’s height and pitching style really changed how teams thought about tall pitchers in the years that followed. As a 6-foot-8 starter, he opened doors for other unusually tall pitchers in pro baseball.

He started out on a basketball scholarship, then made the jump to major league starter. Smithson actually played behind Bernard King, who later made the NBA Hall of Fame, at Tennessee before he switched his focus to baseball.

Young pitchers picked up a lot from watching how he handled durability and consistency. Early on, he struggled with control, but Smithson worked through it and became a starter teams could count on for heavy workloads.

Smithson pitched in 240 games across eight seasons, which really says something about sticking with it in pro sports. Even now, teams still look for the kind of innings-eating starter that Smithson was during his best years in Minnesota.