Jan 21, 1955 – Dec 17, 2008
Dave Smith, born on Jan 21, 1955, passed away on Dec 17, 2008.
Obituary
SAN DIEGO (AP) - Dave Smith, a former All-Star closer who holds the Houston Astros record for games pitched, died Wednesday. He was 53.
Former big leaguer Tim Flannery said Smith apparently died of a heart attack, but the official cause of death wasn't known.
"He's gone. My tears are the rain," Flannery, the San Francisco Giants third base coach, told The Associated Press.
A woman who answered the phone at the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office said the body of a man named David Smith, with a date of birth matching that of the big league pitcher, was brought into her office earlier in the evening. The woman said she could not give her name.
Smith was an All-Star with Houston in 1986 and 1990, and had 216 saves in a 13-year career. He played with Houston from 1980-90 before finishing his career with two seasons with the Chicago Cubs.
His 563 outings with the Astros is tops on the club's list, and his 199 saves ranks second.
Flannery said he spent time Wednesday afternoon with members of the Smith family in northern San Diego County. Flannery and Smith worked together on the San Diego Padres' coaching staff from 1999 until Smith resigned in June 2001 to spend more time with his family. Smith missed the first month of the 2001 season to complete an alcohol rehabilitation program.
"He was the most giving, unconditionally compassionate man anyone ever came across," Flannery said. "Everybody's got Dave Smith stories. Usually it's him reaching into his pocket and pulling out $100 to give to someone selling newspapers for a quarter.
"Going back to his playing days, he was one of the great closers and a fierce competitor," Flannery said. "He also had a zest for life; reckless abandon at times. He's gone at 53. He earned every moment of his life. He packed a lot into it."
Former teammate Joe Sambito said Smith's personality stood out.
"He was a good guy. He was a really good guy," said Sambito, who played with Smith in the early 1980s.
"You just remain close to them," Sambito said about fellow relievers.
"It is with great sadness that the San Diego community learned that it has not only lost a great baseball man, but a great friend to so many of us here," Padres general manager Kevin Towers said in a statement. "He was an integral part of the Padres for many years, as a minor league instructor and coach and later as our major league pitching coach."
Flannery said services were pending, but added that he and other surfers plan to paddle out onto the Pacific Ocean to spread Smith's ashes across the water.
"That was what he asked. That is what surfers do," Flannery said.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
I was just watching the October 15, 1986 game. I occasionally look to see how players' lives have turned out. He was such a star on the Astro team that year. I thought that Mike Scott, another star on that team had passed on. I am sorry to find out that it was he who had passed on.
Bob Cohan
April 06, 2014 | San Antonio, TX
i will miss him he helped me in my path of baseball and let me play on the fild at padre games he was more then fust a firend he was like a dad to me at the games and he helped me when my little brother died so he will be missed a lot by me and my family
billy wright
June 02, 2011 | San Diego, CA
I just learned of Dave's passing this past weekend and am very heavy hearted. I first met Dave the summer he made it to the "show". With his beautiful blonde hair I felt sure he belonged at the beach not the visiting bullpen at Dodger Stadium. I would see Dave whenever the team came to CA I was fortunate to see his only start when I visited Houston. Over time I learned he was in fact a beachbum,a great "fireman", and always a gentleman. Rest in peace my favorite "45" relieve Phil Niekro...
Cindy
September 22, 2010 | Los Angeles
God Bless you Dave Smith, you were an all time fave of mine.
Ray Farahani
August 12, 2009 | Houston, TX
Dave I just found out of your passing. My Dad coached your Little League team in Poway back in the '60s. You and my brother Red played on the same team together. We remember visiting your family when they lived in Green Valley those many years ago. You were a kind, generous kid then and even though we lost touch when our family moved overseas, we never forgot you and were very proud of you when you played with the Astros. Thank you for touching our lives those many years ago.
Lisa La Salle
January 01, 2009 | Willimantic, CT
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome...
J Smith
December 29, 2008 | San Clemente, CA
I watched many games where Dave pitched. Spent lots of time talking with him outside the Astrodome. Hope to express my sadness in his passing as we are only 6 months apart. He was a good person.
Debra Gulsby
December 25, 2008 | Arlington, TX
Dave Smith was a hero in so many ways. He is survived by his wife Alexandra and their baby daughter Dakota. His two sons Kellen and Cameron, from a previous marriage, had the honor of knowing that their dad was a man of whom they can be justly proud. He lived life to the fullest, was a deserving role model to many, and will be sorely missed by family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing such a fine human being.
Denise Levy
December 24, 2008 | San Diego, CA
the Smith family, thoughts and prayers are with you...a Astros Fan in Pa.
c southern
December 23, 2008 | Bridgeville, PA
