Willie Smith – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Willie Smith made his mark in baseball history as one of the rare players who actually transitioned from pitcher to outfielder during his Major League career.

He was born in Anniston, Alabama, and started out with the Negro League Birmingham Black Barons before getting his shot with the Detroit Tigers in 1963.

Smith played nine seasons in the majors from 1963 to 1971, putting up a .248 batting average with 46 home runs and 211 RBIs, moving through five different teams.

Smith stood out for his versatility. He started as a promising pitcher in Detroit’s farm system, but the Los Angeles Angels switched him to outfielder in 1964.

Manager Bill Rigney wanted Smith’s bat in the lineup every day, and honestly, who could blame him? Smith responded by having his best season, batting .301 with 11 homers.

He bounced around, playing for the Detroit Tigers, California Angels, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, and finally the Cincinnati Reds, wrapping up his MLB career in 1971.

His path from the Negro Leagues to the majors, and his ability to contribute as both a pitcher and a position player, gives you a pretty interesting look at baseball’s changes in the 1960s.

Willie Smith’s Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Willie Smith was born February 11, 1939, in Anniston, Alabama. He overcame a lot to become a multi-talented athlete.

His baseball journey started with local sandlot teams and eventually led him to the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League.

Childhood and Early Influences

Willie was the youngest of seven, raised by his mother, Catherine Owens Smith, after his parents split up. She worked at a laundry-dry cleaner for over a decade to keep the family afloat.

Catherine died from diabetes complications just 10 days before Willie’s 1963 major league season began. “I think my mom died just as much of hard work as diabetes,” Smith said in a 1964 interview.

The Smiths lived in Anniston during segregation. Willie attended the 12th Street School, which was segregated, and graduated from the all-black Calhoun County Training School in Hobson City in 1957.

Smith was a standout athlete in several sports. He played running back on his high school football team until a broken arm ended that dream.

He also averaged about 17 points per game on the basketball team during his senior year.

First Encounters with Organized Baseball

His high school didn’t have a baseball team. So, Smith played on local sandlot teams, and his talent was obvious.

He reportedly lost just two games as a pitcher in high school and threw three no-hitters, all while hitting over .400.

Childhood friend Rendon Marbury remembered Smith playing against adults before he even got to high school. Smith often played for at least three different teams at once, which really shows his dedication.

He had speed that turned heads. Smith could run the 100-yard dash in 9.6 seconds in high school, and that speed helped him later in baseball.

Smith even tried amateur boxing, winning eight out of ten middleweight bouts. But after breaking his nose three times, he decided baseball was the way to go.

High School and Negro Leagues Career

In the summer of 1957, Smith played for a local all-star team that faced the Birmingham Black Barons. He hit a home run and two triples against pro pitchers that day.

The Black Barons quickly offered him a contract after seeing what he could do. That’s how he got his start in pro baseball through the Negro Leagues.

Life in the Negro Leagues wasn’t easy, especially financially. “If things were going good, we might make $200 a month. Many times, we’d play in the afternoon, get on the bus without showering, go on to the next town and play at night,” Smith said.

Smith excelled with the Black Barons as both a pitcher and a position player. He started the 1958 and 1959 East-West Negro American League all-star games at Chicago’s Comiskey Park, which really says something about his skills.

In the 1958 all-star game, he started as pitcher and singled in the winning run. The next year, he hit an inside-the-park home run in the 1959 all-star game.

Transition to Major League Baseball

Willie Smith made his pro debut with the Detroit Tigers on June 18, 1963, at 24 years old. Early on, he switched from pitcher to outfielder, a change that shaped his nine-year major league run.

Major League Debut with Detroit Tigers

Smith broke into the majors with the Detroit Tigers on June 18, 1963. He was 24 when he first took the field in the big leagues.

His first season was short but interesting. Smith played in 17 games for Detroit that year.

As a pitcher, he didn’t get much work. He pitched just 0.2 innings against the Boston Red Sox in his debut.

Smith also got a few chances as a hitter. He batted .125 in eight at-bats, picking up one hit.

Detroit tried using Smith as both a pitcher and a position player during his rookie year. That dual role showed his flexibility.

His numbers with Detroit weren’t eye-popping, but he got a taste of major league competition.

Role Change: From Pitcher to Outfielder

The Los Angeles Angels picked up Smith in 1964 and made a big decision about his career. They switched him from pitcher to full-time outfielder.

That move changed everything for Smith. He became an outfielder and pinch hitter, with his bat now the main focus.

His first full season as an outfielder went really well. In 1964, Smith hit .301 with 11 home runs and 51 RBIs in 118 games.

The Angels kept Smith in the outfield through 1966. He played left, center, and right field, moving around as needed.

Smith’s batting average stayed solid during his time with the Angels. He hit .261 in 1965 with 14 home runs and 57 RBIs.

Switching positions let Smith play regularly. He got into 344 games over three seasons with the Angels.

Key Skills and Playing Style

Smith became a left-handed hitter and thrower after the switch. His batting stance and swing fit his new role.

He showed decent power for his era. Smith hit 46 home runs in his nine seasons.

His speed on the bases was okay, not blazing. He stole 20 bases and got caught 16 times.

Smith played all three outfield spots at different times. He filled in wherever teams needed him.

Pinch hitting was another part of his game. Teams often called on him in clutch moments off the bench.

His career batting average landed at .248 with 211 RBIs. Those numbers fit his role as a utility guy and situational hitter.

Smith’s flexibility made him valuable to several teams. He played for five different organizations during his major league career.

Major League Career Highlights and Teams

Willie Smith spent nine seasons in Major League Baseball from 1963 to 1971. He showed off his versatility as both a pitcher and outfielder with five different teams.

His career included a walk-off home run for the Chicago Cubs and steady work as a pinch hitter and utility player.

Years with Los Angeles Angels and California Angels

Smith joined the Los Angeles Angels in 1964 after Detroit traded him for pitcher Julio Navarro on April 28, 1964. Manager Bill Rigney decided to convert Smith from pitcher to outfielder to get his bat in the lineup every day.

That decision paid off right away. Smith hit .301 in 1964, his best average, with 11 homers and 51 RBI.

He stuck with the franchise through 1966, playing for both the Los Angeles and California Angels as the team changed names. Over those three seasons, he became a reliable outfielder and pinch hitter.

Smith’s time with the Angels showed how well he adapted. He went from being a promising pitcher to a productive everyday outfielder.

Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs Contributions

The Cleveland Indians picked up Smith in 1967, and he played two seasons with them. He worked as an outfielder and pinch hitter, adding depth to their roster.

Smith’s biggest chapter started when he joined the Chicago Cubs partway through the 1968 season. He stayed with the Cubs through 1970, playing 245 games.

The Cubs took full advantage of Smith’s versatility. He played all over the outfield and was a valuable pinch hitter off the bench.

His left-handed bat balanced the Cubs’ lineup. Smith’s steady play made him a trusted option for Cubs management.

He appeared in games regularly and contributed both in the field and at the plate during his time in Chicago.

Final Season with Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds traded for Smith on November 30, 1970, sending Danny Breeden the other way. That marked the start of Smith’s last MLB season.

Smith’s 1971 season with the Reds wrapped up his major league career. His last MLB game came on September 30, 1971, closing out a nine-year run in pro baseball.

The Reds mostly used Smith as a pinch hitter and backup outfielder. His experience and veteran presence meant something to the team during that final year.

After leaving MLB, Smith kept playing in Japan for the Nankai Hawks from 1972 to 1973. That extended his pro career beyond the U.S.

Memorable Moments and Milestones

Smith’s most famous moment happened on Opening Day 1969 at Wrigley Field. He hit a walk-off two-run homer in the 11th inning against Phillies pitcher Barry Lersch, giving the Cubs a 7-6 win.

That home run landed in the right-field bleachers and stands as the highlight of his Cubs tenure. Cubs fans and baseball historians still remember that dramatic hit.

Career Statistics:

• Batting Average: .248
• Home Runs: 46
• RBI: 211
• Games Played: 691

Smith became the only African-American player to pitch and play field positions in 15 or more games each during the same season. That kind of versatility is rare in baseball history.

People called him “Wonderful Willie,” which fit both his personality and his knack for helping out wherever he could. Smith’s career really showed the value of players who could do a little bit of everything.

Batting, Fielding, and Pitching Achievements

Willie Smith put together solid offensive numbers during his nine-year career. He hit .248 with 46 home runs and 211 RBIs in 691 games.

His background as both a pitcher and outfielder gave him a versatility you just don’t see much, especially back in the 1960s.

Hitting Performance and Statistics

Smith’s best years at the plate came early with the Los Angeles Angels. His peak was 1964, when he hit .301 with a .782 OPS.

That year put him on the map as a reliable offensive contributor.

In 1965, Smith kept it going with a .261 average and .731 OPS. He picked up 120 hits and scored 52 runs that season.

Here’s how his career stats stack up:

• Career batting average: .248
• On-base percentage: .295
• Slugging percentage: .395
• Total games played: 691

Smith’s numbers varied between leagues. He hit .254 in the American League and .236 in the National League.

His three seasons with the Angels were definitely his most productive stretch.

Home Runs and RBIs Records

Smith really showed off his power by driving in runs all through his career. Over nine seasons, he racked up 46 home runs and 211 RBIs, and honestly, his best power years came pretty early on.

He made the biggest impact with his home run production during his time with the Angels from 1964 to 1966. In those three years, Smith hit 26 homers, and 1965 stood out with a career-high 14.

His RBI numbers followed a similar trend,

• 1964: 51 RBIs in 118 games
• 1965: 57 RBIs in 136 games
• 1966: 20 RBIs in 90 games

He also managed 63 doubles and 21 triples. Smith could hit for both average and power, which made him a valuable offensive asset in his prime.

Pitching Record and ERA

Smith started out as a pitcher with the Detroit Tigers in 1963, but then he switched to the outfield. He didn’t pitch much because he moved to a position player role pretty quickly.

He pitched in just a handful of games before the Angels saw his potential with the bat and put him in the outfield. They needed everyday players, and Smith fit right in.

After his rookie year, you barely see any pitching stats for him. Once he became a full-time outfielder, he focused completely on hitting and fielding.

That shift from pitcher to outfielder definitely worked out. Smith did a lot more for his teams as a position player.

Post-1971 Career and Retirement Life

Willie Smith kept playing baseball after MLB, heading to Japan to join the Nankai Hawks from 1972 to 1973. When he finally hung up his cleats, he moved back to Anniston, Alabama, living a quiet life until he passed away from a heart attack in 2006 at 66.

Playing in Japanese Leagues

Smith took his professional baseball career overseas, joining the Nankai Hawks in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league. He played for them in 1972 and 1973.

A lot of American players in the early ’70s made similar moves. Japanese teams gave veterans like Smith a chance to keep playing once their MLB days ended.

The Nankai Hawks, based in Osaka, played in the Pacific League. Smith’s experience and left-handed bat made him a good fit for their lineup.

Japan was the final stop for Smith’s pro career. After the 1973 season, he retired from baseball for good at 34.

Coaching and Community Involvement

There isn’t much solid info about Smith’s coaching or community involvement after he finished playing. After Japan, he went back to Anniston, Alabama.

A lot of guys from Smith’s era stuck with baseball through local coaching or youth teams. But, honestly, there aren’t many details about any official coaching gigs or community baseball work Smith might have done.

Given his background as both a pitcher and outfielder, he probably could’ve coached just about anywhere. He played for five big league teams and spent two years in Japan, so he definitely had plenty of baseball experience.

Personal Life and Legacy

After retiring, Smith kept things low-key in Anniston, Alabama. He was born there on February 11, 1939, and he returned home when his career wrapped up.

Smith died on January 16, 2006, apparently of a heart attack, at 66. They buried him at Maple Grove Cemetery in Anniston.

He’s remembered as one of the rare players from Anniston to reach the majors. Smith’s career numbers—.248 average, 46 home runs, 211 RBIs—show he was a solid utility guy.

Probably his biggest moment came on April 8, 1969. Smith hit a walk-off home run in the 11th inning for the Cubs on Opening Day against the Phillies. That two-run shot gave the Cubs a wild 7-6 win at Wrigley Field.

Impact, Recognition, and Net Worth

People called Willie Smith “Wonderful Willie” after his breakout 1963 season. He built a reputation as one of the game’s most versatile players, and his upbeat personality made him a favorite in every clubhouse. His rare ability to pitch and hit left a real impression on baseball.

Nickname ‘Wonderful Willie’ and Influence on Baseball

Smith picked up the “Wonderful Willie” nickname in 1963 when he went 14-2 with Syracuse and hit .380. The name just stuck, honestly. Fans and teammates both loved it.

His versatility really set him apart. Smith was the last major leaguer to pitch and play other field positions at least 15 times each in a season. He pulled this off with the Angels in 1964, hitting .301 in 118 games and posting a 2.84 ERA in 15 pitching appearances.

Smith’s 1964 dual-role statistics:

• Hitting: .301 average, 11 home runs, 118 games
• Pitching: 2.84 ERA, 15 games, 31.2 innings

Smith stands out as the only African-American player to ever hit that dual-role milestone. He jumped between pitching and hitting with ease, and every team he joined got a boost from his flexibility.

Reputation Among Teammates and Fans

Teammates voted Smith the most popular teammate three years running in the minors. His managers and fellow players always praised his positive clubhouse presence and the way he kept spirits up when things got tough.

“It’s always good to have someone on the ball club who can keep the boys loose,” Smith told Jerome Holtzman back in his Cubs days. “I’ve just been this type of fellow all my life.”

Managers noticed his friendly nature early on. Phil Cavarretta even said Smith “has the faculty of making friends and winning rooters.”

Smith’s most iconic moment? That Opening Day in 1969, when he hit a game-winning pinch-hit homer for the Cubs. That clutch swing made him a fan favorite in Chicago and really defined his career.

Net Worth and Lasting Legacy

In 1959, Smith signed with the Detroit Tigers for just $1,500. That small amount really shows how few opportunities African-American players had back then. His career earnings stayed pretty modest, especially if you compare them to what players make now.

After he retired in 1971, Smith moved back to Anniston, Alabama, his hometown. He kept in touch with the game and his community up until he died from a heart attack on January 16, 2006.

Smith left a legacy that goes far beyond just numbers. He broke barriers as an African-American player, making the leap from the Negro Leagues to Major League Baseball. You have to admit, his story—from the Birmingham Black Barons all the way to the majors—has inspired plenty of players who came after him.

Career achievements:

• .248 batting average over 691 games
• 3.10 ERA in 29 pitching appearances
• Five different teams during his career
• Last player to regularly pitch and play field positions in the same season