They’re no longer the hottest name in baseball, but the Smiths could still boast a great roster
According to ESPN.com, the number of current players named Rodriguez and Gonzales is now higher than the number of Smiths in Major League Baseball. That statistic reflects not only the influx of Latin Americans into the country’s hobby, but also the United States in general.
Smith likely won’t go away entirely, as there are still more than a half-dozen players with that last name in the major leagues right now. Mallex Smith made his Atlanta outfield debut last season, as did rookies Jake and Blake Smith with other teams. Carson, Josh, Kevan and Will are also Smiths who have been in the Majors for several years already.
A current player has enough experience to make what might be called a roster of Smiths, which would look like the next team.
First baseman Reggie
Primarily an outfielder who helped both the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers win pennants, Smith occasionally filled first base.
Second Base, Billy
This Smith patrolled the middle infield for the pennant-winning Baltimore Orioles in 1979, falling just one win short of beating the Pittsburgh Pirates in a classic World Series matchup.
Shortstop, Ozzie
Affectionately known as “The Wizard,” this Hall of Fame Gold Glove legend helped St. Louis win the World Series championship in 1982.
Third Base, Al
“Fuzzy” had a twelve-year career that included an All-Star season with Cleveland in 1955, when he led the league in runs scored, and again with Chicago in 1960.
Left field, Dwight
He was a regular in the Chicago Cubs lineup for many years, and now his son Dwight, Jr. is about to make it to the big leagues.
Center Garden, Seth
Now a regular with the Seattle Mariners, he is the only current player to make the All-Smith list.
Right field, Lonnie
He played for several teams but is often associated with helping the Atlanta Braves win the 1991 pennant.
Receiver, Hall
Five different teams used his services during his ten-year career, when he averaged eleven home runs and sixty RBIs while batting .261.
Starting pitcher, Bryn
The right-hander had a respectable career, most of which was spent with the Montreal Expos.
Starting pitcher, Zane
Atlanta was the primary home for this southpaw, who won a hundred games in his career.
Starting pitcher, Pete
This Smith Hurler was part of an Atlanta rotation that featured Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, crucial parts of a team that won a series of six straight division titles.
Relief pitcher, Dave
Although he was a fantastic closer in his own right as a member of the Houston Astros, he would have to settle for a setup job on this team because of the Hall of Famer who would follow him out of the bullpen.
Closer, Lee
The great flamethrower earned a plaque in Cooperstown primarily for the success he enjoyed as Cub in Chicago.
Manager, May
The Smiths’ patron would have to be the man who led the Detroit Tigers to a World Series championship in 1968,
