Former Cubs and Braves outfielder Dwight Smith died at age 58, the Braves announced Friday.
Smith was a key player on the Cubs’ 1989 National League Eastern Division champions, managed by the late Don Zimmer. Smith finished second in Rookie of the Year voting that season behind Cubs center fielder Jerome Walton.
Smith played for the Cubs through 1993. He was with the Angels and Orioles in 1994, then played for the Braves in 1995 and ’96. He played in the 1995 World Series, getting a pinch-hit single in Game 2. The Braves beat the Indians in six games.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 22, 2022
We are saddened to learn of the death of Dwight Smith and send our condolences.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 22, 2022
Selected by the Cubs in the 1984 June Draft, Smith roamed the outfield for five seasons with Chicago, helping the 1989 club reach the postseason and finishing 2nd in NL Rookie of the Year voting. pic.twitter.com/HShOnwWS2Z
In 1989, Smith sang the national anthem before a game against the Giants, and he hit the winning single to cap the Cubs’ comeback from nine runs down in a 10-9 victory against the Astros. That season was his best in baseball. He hit .324 with nine home runs and 52 RBI.
In their announcement, the Braves said Smith was “a beloved alumni member, and his infectious smile will be missed around Truist Park. Our deepest condolences to his wife, Cheryl, daughters Taylor and Shannyn, and son Dwight Jr.”
Dwight Jr., 29, has played in 169 major-league games. The outfielder began this season with the White Sox’ Triple-A Charlotte Knights and was released in May. He’s playing in an independent league.
