TTM Stats
- Sent: 3/31/2022 | Received: 4/9/2022 | 9 Days
- ’86 Donruss, ’87 Topps, ’89 Topps, ’90 Donruss, ’90 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Mike Smithson was a reliable and durable pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) during the 1980s, known for his impressive size, consistency, and ability to deliver innings. Over a career that spanned eight seasons, Smithson played for multiple teams including the Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins, and Boston Red Sox, leaving his mark as a dependable starting pitcher who could be counted on to take the ball every five days. Though never a star, his steady presence and workhorse mentality earned him respect around the league.
Born on January 21, 1955, in Centerville, Tennessee, Michael Smithson grew up with a passion for baseball. Tall, as he would eventually stand 6’8″, Smithson’s height and strong arm set him apart from other young players, and he excelled on the mound. He attended the University of Tennessee, where he continued to develop his pitching skills and caught the attention of MLB scouts with his powerful fastball and ability to control the strike zone. In 1976, Smithson was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 5th round of the MLB Draft. His imposing size and solid college career made him an intriguing prospect, and he began working his way through the Red Sox’s minor league system.
Smithson made his MLB debut on August 27, 1982, at the age of 27. His minor league time showed promise, but with limited opportunities in Boston’s rotation, Smithson found it difficult to secure a regular spot. He was traded to the Texas Rangers, where he made his debut and began to establish himself as a regular starter.
It was with the Rangers in 1983 that Smithson had his breakout season. As a member of the starting rotation, he posted a 3.91 ERA over 223.1 innings, proving that he had the ability to succeed as a big-league pitcher. His combination of size, durability, and control made him a valuable asset to the Rangers’ staff.
In 1984, Smithson was traded to the Minnesota Twins, a move that would define the most productive years of his career. During his time with the Twins, Smithson emerged as one of the most dependable starters in the American League. In his first season with Minnesota, he led the league in games started (36) and pitched 252 innings, finishing the year with a solid 3.68 ERA.
Smithson followed up his strong 1984 season with another impressive campaign in 1985. He once again logged over 250 innings and won 15 games again for the Twins, earning a reputation as one of the top innings-eaters in baseball. His ability to pitch deep into games and keep his team in contention was invaluable to the Twins, who relied heavily on his consistency.
During this period, Smithson was not a strikeout pitcher, but his strength lay in his control and pitch efficiency. He worked quickly, avoided walks, and kept hitters off balance with his fastball and off-speed pitches. His durability was a key factor in the Twins’ starting rotation, and he became a leader for the young pitching staff.
By the late 1980s, Smithson began to deal with injuries and a decline in performance, as is often the case with pitchers who carry a heavy workload. After his tenure with the Twins, he played two seasons with the Boston Red Sox (his original team).
Over his eight-year MLB career, Smithson compiled a 76-86 record with a 4.58 ERA. He made 225 starts and pitched over 1,450 innings, proving his value as a reliable arm in the rotation. While his career statistics may not have been eye-popping, his durability and ability to consistently give his team quality starts were highly valued during his time in the league.
After retiring from baseball, Mike Smithson stepped away from the spotlight, returning to Tennessee, where he remained active in his local community and pursued a quieter life. He continued to follow baseball closely and occasionally offered insights into the game, particularly on the role of starting pitchers and the changes in how they are utilized in the modern era. Smithson’s career, though not one filled with awards or accolades, was a model of consistency and professionalism. He exemplified the role of the workhorse pitcher—a player who took the mound day in and day out, ready to give his team a chance to win.
This is my sixth successful return from him. To see the other successful returns check out these posts:
The Score on Mike Smithson – 7.0
The best “S” in the TTM game right here! I feel like I say that most times about Mike, but I think it’s worth repeating. These came out great even though some of them arent’t the greatest to show off a signature, like the 1990 Donruss and Topps cards. I think my favorite is the ’87 Topps in this bunch.
Thanks Mr. Smithson! I’m giving this return a 7.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.