Lonnie Smith---1982
Lonnie Smith was nicknamed
“Skates” for his erratic defensive play
that included a tendency to fall while
pursuing balls in the outfield. He had
his moments at the plate as well,
oftentimes swinging at the first pitch,
although he was adept at executing
the hit-and-run with aplomb.
Smith was named the National
League Rookie of the Year in 1980
after coming up through the Phillies’
organization and proceeded to serve
as an offensive catalyst for the
Cardinals during their 1982 World
Championship campaign. Drug
problems derailed his career in the
mid-1980s, which led to his release
by the Royals. He worked his way
back through Triple-A and emerged
as a starter with the Braves. Smith
displayed new-found power in 1989
and had his best season by batting .
315 with 21 homers and a .415 on-
base percentage.
“Skates” was one of the more vocal
members of the Braves’ clubhouse
during their World Series run in
1991. At least one young reporter
was surprised to see the veteran
Smith sitting by his locker at Atlanta
Fulton County Stadium while holding
a cigarette between the index and
middle fingers of his left hand while
chowing down on a piece of Kentucky
Fried Chicken, held with his thumb,
ring finger and pinky. In his right
hand? How about a Krispy Kreme
doughnut? And, yes, all three were
being consumed at the same time,
with Smith’s constant banter never
ceasing.
One thing that Smith is not
particularly keen on discussing is his
baserunning blunder in the World
Series against Minnesota. Though he
hesitated upon reaching second
base on a ball hit in the gap, Smith is
adamant that he was not deked by
the Twins’ middle infielders. Yes,
even on the basepaths the nickname
“Skates” proved appropriate.
5/8/08
“Skates” for his erratic defensive play
that included a tendency to fall while
pursuing balls in the outfield. He had
his moments at the plate as well,
oftentimes swinging at the first pitch,
although he was adept at executing
the hit-and-run with aplomb.
Smith was named the National
League Rookie of the Year in 1980
after coming up through the Phillies’
organization and proceeded to serve
as an offensive catalyst for the
Cardinals during their 1982 World
Championship campaign. Drug
problems derailed his career in the
mid-1980s, which led to his release
by the Royals. He worked his way
back through Triple-A and emerged
as a starter with the Braves. Smith
displayed new-found power in 1989
and had his best season by batting .
315 with 21 homers and a .415 on-
base percentage.
“Skates” was one of the more vocal
members of the Braves’ clubhouse
during their World Series run in
1991. At least one young reporter
was surprised to see the veteran
Smith sitting by his locker at Atlanta
Fulton County Stadium while holding
a cigarette between the index and
middle fingers of his left hand while
chowing down on a piece of Kentucky
Fried Chicken, held with his thumb,
ring finger and pinky. In his right
hand? How about a Krispy Kreme
doughnut? And, yes, all three were
being consumed at the same time,
with Smith’s constant banter never
ceasing.
One thing that Smith is not
particularly keen on discussing is his
baserunning blunder in the World
Series against Minnesota. Though he
hesitated upon reaching second
base on a ball hit in the gap, Smith is
adamant that he was not deked by
the Twins’ middle infielders. Yes,
even on the basepaths the nickname
“Skates” proved appropriate.
5/8/08
