Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 20, 2019
Chat Room: Former Cubs closer Lee Smith is Hall-in
Photo by: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images Lee Smith might have switched to basketball if it hadn’t been for former Cubs outfielder Billy Williams’ foresight in the late 1970s.At the Hall of Fame induction ceremony Sunday in Cooperstown, New York, former Cubs closer Lee Smith will have fellow former Cub and Hall of Famer Billy Williams to thank. Because, truth be told, Smith wouldn’t have made it to the majors without Williams’ forward-looking approach to baseball and his encouragement.
During the 1978 season, Smith, whom the Cubs selected 28th overall in the 1975 draft, struggled as a starter. After the season, his minor-league manager suggested he was better suited for the bullpen.