Bud Smith

Infobox MLB retired
name = Bud Smith
bgcolor1 = #c41e3a
textcolor1 = #ffffff
bgcolor2 = #0a2252
textcolor2 = #ffffff

---

width = 150
caption =
position = Starting pitcher
birthdate = birth date and age|1979|10|23
deathdate =
bats = Left
throws = Left
debutdate = June 10
debutyear = 2001
debutteam = St. Louis Cardinals
finaldate = July 19
finalyear = 2002
finalteam = St. Louis Cardinals
stat1label = Win-Loss
stat1value = 7-8
stat2label = ERA
stat2value = 4.95
stat3label = Strikeouts
stat3value = 81
teams =
* St. Louis Cardinals (2001-2002)
highlights =
* Threw a no-hitter in his rookie season on September 3, 2001

Bud Smith (born Robert Allan Smith on 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. [http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/gallery/featured/GAL1137746/8/26/index.htm]

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 a member of the Long Beach Armada of the independent Golden Baseball League until recently retiring from baseball.

ee also

* List of Major League Baseball no-hitters

External links

* [http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/S/Bud-Smith.shtml Bud Smith's career statistics]
* [http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=210903125 "Rookie Smith pitches improbable no-hitter"]