Bud Smith

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

His 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, 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. Smith's no-hitter is the last one to date for a Cardinals pitcher.^[1]

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.

On July 29, 2002 he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies along with infielder Plácido Polanco and relief pitcher Mike Timlin for third baseman Scott Rolen, relief pitcher Doug Nickle and cash. Smith never made a major league appearance for the Phillies, and on October 15, 2004 was granted free agency. He later signed with the Minnesota Twins on December 14, 2004.

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

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.

Smith was most recently a member of the Long Beach Armada of the independent Golden Baseball League in 2007 until recently retiring from baseball.

See also

• List of Major League Baseball no-hitters

References

External links

• Career statistics and player information from The Baseball Cube
• Rookie Smith pitches improbable no-hitter