Willie Smith (outfielder)

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Willie Smith (February 11, 1939 – January 16, 2006), nicknamed "Wonderful Willie" was an American Major League Baseball pitcher and outfielder. After starting his career as a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers in 1963, Smith was converted to an outfielder in 1964 by the Los Angeles Angels, and remained an outfielder and pinch hitter for the Angels (through 1966), Cleveland Indians (1967–68), Chicago Cubs (1968–70) and Cincinnati Reds (1971). He also played two seasons in Japan for the Nankai Hawks (1972–73). Listed at 6 feet (1.8 m) tall and 182 pounds (83 kg), he threw and batted left-handed. He was born in Anniston, Alabama. Smith began his professional career with the Negro league Birmingham Black Barons, where he was selected to play in the East–West All-Star Game in 1958 and 1959. Smith was a highly regarded pitching prospect in the Detroit farm system. In 1963, playing for the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs, he led the International League in winning percentage (.875) with a 14–2 won/loss mark, and posted a 2.11 earned run average. He also batted .380 (30 hits in 79 at bats), with one home run and 13 runs batted in. Smith was still plying his trade on the mound when he was traded to th

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