#80 Willie Smith

Willie Smith (Wonderful Willie)
Positions: Leftfielder, First Baseman, Pitcher
Bats: Left, Throws: Left
Height: 6' 0", Weight: 182 lb.
Born: February 11, 1939 in Anniston, AL
MLB Debut: June 18, 1963 Detroit Tigers
Final MLB Game: September 30, 1971 Cincinnati Reds
Died: January 16, 2006 in Anniston, AL
Years with the Angels: 1964-1966

ANGELS TRANSACTIONS:
April 28, 1964: Traded by the Detroit Tigers to the Los Angeles Angels for Julio Navarro.
October 13, 1966: Purchased by the Cleveland Indians from the California Angels.

ANGELS DEBUT:
Entered the game as a pinch hitter in the 7th with 2 outs and facing Eddie Fisher grounded out to first baseman Joe Cunningham in an eventual 3-2 loss against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, May 3, 1964 (D) at Comiskey Park I.

1965 Topps #85 and 1966 Topps #438

ANGELS RECORD:
1964-1966
In 1013 ABs hit .261 with 26 HR, and 128 RBI. Committed 19 errors in 841 chances. Went 1-4 with a 2.84 ERA in 31.2 IP.
Had one start giving up 3 R on 5 H with 3 K over 5.2 INN for a no-decision.

BEST ANGELS GAME:
5-for-6, with a triple and a HR, 3 RBI and 2 runs scored in an 18-2 win against the Kansas City Athletics on Saturday, July 25, 1964 (D) at Municipal Stadium.

OTHER INTERESTING FACTS:
- Originally signed by the Detroit Tigers as an amateur free agent in 1960
- Converted from a pitcher to an outfielder, playing both positions in 1964
- Played for the Tigers (63), Angels (64-66), Indians (67-68), Cubs (68-70), and Reds (71)
- Played 2 seasons in Japan for the Nankai Hawks (72-73)