Woody Smith
Encyclopedia
Forest Elwood Smith was a baseball figure who spent 18 seasons playing in the minor leagues and another 12 managing at that level.
A third baseman, Smith played from 1946 to 1962 and again in 1969. Though his statistical record is incomplete, it is known that he collected at least 1,755 hits in his career - with at least 342 being doubles, 43 being triples and 130 being home runs. In 1951, he had perhaps his best season when he hit .320 with 30 doubles, six triples, three home runs and 162 hits for the West Palm Beach Indians
. In October 1957, he was purchased by the Philadelphia Phillies
to be placed on their roster, however he never appeared in the major leagues with them.
Smith began his managerial career in 1969 as skipper of the Miami Marlins, heading them until 1970. He then skippered the Miami Orioles until 1972. Each of the teams he managed in his first four seasons ended up becoming league champions.
In 1973, Smith managed the Key West Conchs. He skippered the San Antonio Missions
in 1974 and 1975. Though he did not manage in 1976, he returned in 1977, managing the Waterloo Indians
. That year, he led them to the league finals, which they lost, and in 1978 he led them to the playoffs, though they did not get past the first round. From 1979 to 1981, he managed the Chattanooga Lookouts
.
A third baseman, Smith played from 1946 to 1962 and again in 1969. Though his statistical record is incomplete, it is known that he collected at least 1,755 hits in his career - with at least 342 being doubles, 43 being triples and 130 being home runs. In 1951, he had perhaps his best season when he hit .320 with 30 doubles, six triples, three home runs and 162 hits for the West Palm Beach Indians
West Palm Beach Indians
The West Palm Beach Indians were a minor league baseball team based in West Palm Beach, Florida. They played in the Florida East Coast League in from 1940 to 1942, the Florida International League from 1946 to 1954, and the Florida State League in 1955. They were affiliated with the Philadelphia...
. In October 1957, he was purchased by the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
to be placed on their roster, however he never appeared in the major leagues with them.
Smith began his managerial career in 1969 as skipper of the Miami Marlins, heading them until 1970. He then skippered the Miami Orioles until 1972. Each of the teams he managed in his first four seasons ended up becoming league champions.
In 1973, Smith managed the Key West Conchs. He skippered the San Antonio Missions
San Antonio Missions
The San Antonio Missions are a minor league baseball team based in San Antonio, Texas. The team, which plays in the Texas League, is the Double-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres major-league club. The Missions play in Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium, located in San Antonio...
in 1974 and 1975. Though he did not manage in 1976, he returned in 1977, managing the Waterloo Indians
Waterloo Indians
The Waterloo Indians were a minor league baseball team that played from 1977 to 1988 in the Midwest League. They played their home games at Riverfront Stadium and were affiliated with the Cleveland Indians. They were located in Waterloo, Iowa....
. That year, he led them to the league finals, which they lost, and in 1978 he led them to the playoffs, though they did not get past the first round. From 1979 to 1981, he managed the Chattanooga Lookouts
Chattanooga Lookouts
The Chattanooga Lookouts are a minor league baseball team based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA. They are named for nearby Lookout Mountain. The team, which plays in the Southern League, has been a Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers major-league club since the 2009 season. The Lookouts...
.