non-HOF Profile Derby #5: Reggie Smith

Next, an all-around outfielder by the name of Reggie Smith, (1966-1982)

Place on the WAR chart: Below Al Simmons and above Jackie Robinson and Goose Goslin.

Career Overview and Some Numbers:A switch hitting CF (RF after 30) with power and plate discipline. He played for Boston (66-73), St. Louis (74-76),Los Angeles (76-81), and San Francisco (82). He had decent contact ability with sufficient pop. He really wasn't a middle of the lineup hitter, but he did have that type of production in some of the seasons of his career. He also was a consistently above average fielder. He was a 7 time all-star and finished in the top 5 of the MVP balloting twice. He led the league in 2Bs twice, total bases once, OBP once, and OPS+ once. His most similar comparisons for his career were Fred Lynn and Shawn Green, the most similar comparisons for his prime were Andre Dawson and Dave Winfield.
Best Season: 1977, at the age of 32, when he hit .307/.427/.576 with a league leading 167 OPS+. He also had 104 R, 32 HR, 87 RBI and a 104/76 BB/K ratio (17% BB%).
The Final Numbers: Finished with more 1000 runs and RBIs and 321 HR. Hit .287/.366/.489 for his career, exceptional for a CF.

Why He Should be Remembered: : Well, besides his talents also his attitude. In a losing effort in the 1977 WS, he hit .273/.385/.727. How many switch hitting CF with power do you remember (except for Mantle)?
HOF Balloting Performance:0.7% of the vote on the 1988 ballot
Rookie Card: 1967 Topps #314
Modern Cards: 2001 Topps Archives