Mike Smithson
From SoSH
| Born: | January 21, 1955 |
| Birthplace: | Centerville, Tennessee |
| Hometown: | |
| Height: | 6' 8" |
| Weight: | 215 lbs |
| Bats: | Left |
| Throws: | Right |
| Drafted: | 1975: 5th Round by the Boston Red Sox. |
| College: | University of Tennessee |
| High School: | |
| Other Teams: | Texas Rangers 1982-83 Minnesota Twins 1984-87 |
| Years with Boston: | 1988-1989 |
Mike Smithson (born January 21, 1955 in Centerville, Tennessee) was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 5th round of the 1976 Amateur Draft, he made his major league debut on August 27, 1982 and his Red Sox debut on April 7, 1988, and he played his final game on September 28, 1989.
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Overall Career
Smithson was originally drafted by the Red Sox, but was traded to the Texas Rangers in April 1982 before ever appearing in a major league game. A gangly sidewinding right-handed pitcher, Mike assumed full time major league duty in 1983 and had a solid rookie year, going 10-14 with a 3.91 ERA. Following the 1983 season, Smithson was traded to the Minnesota Twins; he responded by having his best year in 1984, when he went 15-13 with a 3.68 ERA. Mike's pitching declined in each of the following three years, culminating in his 1987 season where he had a 5.94 ERA in just 109 innings.
After being released by the Twins in December of 1987, Smithson signed with the Red Sox. He spent the 1988 season as a swingman, alternating between the bullpen and the starting rotation. After finally moving into the rotation for good in late August, Smithson went 3-2 down the stretch, albeit with an ERA over 7, to help the Sox win the pennant. He returned in the same role in 1989 and went 7-14 with a 4.95 ERA before retiring at the end of the season.
Smithson's Moments in the Sun
- Pitched 2.1 scoreless innings in Game 4 of the 1988 ALCS, his only postseason appearance.
- Pitched for the Pawtucket Red Sox in the longest game in history, entering the game in the 15th and throwing 3.2 scoreless innings.
Trivia
- At a height of 6' 8", Mike was the tallest player in the majors for a large portion of his career.
Transactions
- June 8, 1976: Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 5th round of the 1976 amateur draft.
- April 9, 1982: Traded by the Boston Red Sox to the Texas Rangers for John Henry Johnson.
- December 7, 1983: Traded by the Texas Rangers with John Butcher to the Minnesota Twins for Gary Ward and Sam Sorce (minors).
- December 21, 1987: Released by the Minnesota Twins.
- January 18, 1988: Signed as a Free Agent with the Boston Red Sox.
- November 4, 1988: Granted Free Agency.
- December 19, 1988: Signed as a Free Agent with the Boston Red Sox.
- November 13, 1989: Granted Free Agency.
- December 21, 1989: Signed as a Free Agent with the California Angels.
External links
- Baseball-Reference.com - Career Statistics and Analysis
