25 Years Later… John Smiley
Written by Steve on January 21st, 2012
John Smiley was a two-time All-Star pitcher who played for the Pirates, Twins, Reds, and Indians 1986-1997. At the peak of his career in 1991, he went 20-8 with a 3.08 ERA, while finishing third in Cy Young Award voting. His career ended abruptly when he broke his throwing arm while warming up for a start in the Cleveland Indians’ bullpen on September 20, 1997.
Unfortunately for this post, John Smiley was one of those players who pretty much disappeared from the public spotlight after his career ended. More than two years after his broke his arm, the Pittsburgh Pirates signed him to a minor league contract and invited him to Spring Training for a possible comeback, but things never panned out. John Smiley never pitched another professional baseball game.
1988 Topps:
- #768 Dickie Noles
- #25 Andres Galarraga
- #181 Dave Cone
- #393 Matt Nokes (All-Star)
- #195 Dan Quisenberry
- #102 Barry Larkin
- #215 Von Hayes
- #552 Mark Thurmond
- #114 Jeff Russell
- #141 Kansas City Royals (Team Leaders)
- #790 Dave Righetti
- #423 John Smiley
- #625 Frank Viola
- #542 Paul Noce
- #547 Felix Fermin