The Dodgers are adding another iconic name to their “Legends of Dodger Baseball” this season - and it's one that hits especially close to home. Reggie Smith, a key piece of the 1981 World Series team and a hometown product, will be honored with a permanent plaque at Dodger Stadium, joining an elite group of franchise greats.
Smith’s induction is set for August 15, when the Dodgers host the Milwaukee Brewers. It’s a fitting tribute to a player who not only made his mark on the field, but did so while wearing the uniform of the team he grew up rooting for.
A Dodger Before He Was a Dodger
Smith’s connection to Los Angeles runs deep. He grew up in the city and graduated from Centennial High School in Compton. Long before he ever stepped onto the field at Chavez Ravine as a player, he was already a fan - drawn to the team by the legacy of Jackie Robinson.
“I tell people I was a Dodger before I became a Dodger,” Smith once said. “Growing up here in LA and the fact that this is your favorite team because of Jackie… I got to come home in the prime of my career when my folks got to see me play when I was at my best. I was wearing my boyhood idol’s uniform.”
That sentiment makes his upcoming induction all the more meaningful. For Smith, it wasn’t just about playing for the Dodgers - it was about fulfilling a childhood dream.
A Six-Year Run of Excellence in Blue
Smith joined the Dodgers in 1976 via trade from the St. Louis Cardinals and spent six seasons in Los Angeles, wrapping up his time with the team in 1981 - the same year he helped them win a World Series title. During that stretch, he was one of the most productive hitters in the National League.
He earned three All-Star selections as a Dodger, finished in the top five of MVP voting twice, and was a consistent force in the heart of the lineup. Whether patrolling the outfield or, later in his tenure, filling in at first base, Smith brought a steady mix of power, patience, and professionalism.
The numbers speak for themselves: 97 home runs, 301 RBIs, and a slash line of .297/.387/.528 - good for a .915 OPS, the highest he posted with any team in his 17-year career. That kind of production, especially in the pitcher-friendly era of the late ’70s and early ’80s, was no small feat.
A Career That Spanned Coasts and Eras
Before donning Dodger blue, Smith spent eight seasons with the Boston Red Sox, where he established himself as a rising star. He later played for the Cardinals before landing in L.A., and eventually finished his career with the San Francisco Giants in 1982. Fittingly, his final MLB game came against the Dodgers - a full-circle moment to cap a remarkable run.
Across his career, Smith racked up 314 home runs, 1,092 RBIs, and a career OPS of .855. He was selected to seven All-Star Games and also took home a Gold Glove, showcasing his all-around skill set.
Joining Dodger Royalty
With his induction, Smith becomes the tenth member of the “Legends of Dodger Baseball,” joining a group that includes Don Newcombe, Steve Garvey, Fernando Valenzuela, Maury Wills, Kirk Gibson, Manny Mota, Orel Hershiser, Dusty Baker, and Ron Cey.
It’s a well-deserved honor for a player who not only delivered on the field but did so with the pride and passion of someone who truly understood what it meant to wear the Dodgers uniform. For Reggie Smith, this isn’t just a recognition of baseball excellence - it’s a celebration of a lifelong bond between a player, his city, and the team he always called home.