Bud Smith

Starting pitcher

Born: October 23, 1979 (age 37)
Torrance, California

Batted: Left

Threw: Left

MLB debut

June 10, 2001, for the St. Louis Cardinals

Last MLB appearance

July 19, 2002, for the St. Louis Cardinals

MLB statistics

Win–loss record

7-8

Earned run average

4.95

Strikeouts

Teams

St. Louis Cardinals (2001–2002)

Career highlights and awards

Threw a no-hitter in his rookie season on September 3, 2001

Robert Allan "Bud" Smith (born October 23, 1979 in Torrance, California) is a retired American baseball player. Smith was active at the major league level in 2001 and 2002, playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.

In 2000, Smith led the minor league Cardinal organization with a 2.26 ERA (among starters) and 17 wins (5 with AAA Memphis and 12 with AA Arkansas) and threw two no-hitters of the seven-inning variety against Midland and San Antonio. His 2000-year performance earned him Baseball Weekly's Minor League Pitcher of the Year award.

Smith's major league career was short but notable, as he became the 18th rookie since 1900 to throw a no-hitter. Smith's Cardinals defeated the San Diego Padres 4–0 on September 3, 2001, with the rookie hurler giving up four walks but no hits, while throwing 134 pitches in the game. Due to Smith's high pitch count entering the later innings, Cardinal pitching coach Dave Duncan was actually hoping someone would break up the no-hitter, fearing that his young pitcher might tire, although he went against that judgment in allowing Smith to finish the game. As of February 2017^[update], Smith's no-hitter is the last one for a Cardinals pitcher.

Smith had an impressive rookie season in 2001, compiling a 6–3 record and 3.83 earned run average in 16 games, good for 4th in Rookie of the Year voting. However, after posting a dreadful 6.94 era in his sophomore season, he never pitched at the major league level again.

Smith has the distinction of being the last member of the Cardinals to wear the number 51. In his major league debut, he donned the number associated with retired fan favorite Willie McGee, upsetting many fans. Shortly thereafter, Smith agreed to change his number to 52 and no one has used 51 since.

For his career, Smith was 7–8 with a 4.95 earned run average in 132.7 innings. He made 27 appearances with 24 starts, with one complete game shutout.

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Wikipedia