May 15th, 2021
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Joe Smith is on the precipice of history.
With Smith’s next appearance, he will become the 51st pitcher in MLB history to appear in at least 800 games, a testament to the veteran’s success and longevity.
“It’s pretty cool, man, just to be around this long and still pitching and still getting outs and knowing you can still do this thing,” Smith said. “But 1,000 was, or is, the goal. It just makes you realize how hard that number is to get to.”
Smith fondly recalled the first outing of his career. Back on Opening Day 2007, Smith was a mere rookie for the Mets, who were at Busch Stadium to take on the defending champion Cardinals in a rematch of the epic 06 National League Championship Series.
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In this Tuesday, Nov. 11, 1997 file photo, Ray Miller, the pitching coach for the Baltimore Orioles, smiles during a press conference at Camden Yards announcing him as the teamâs new manager in Baltimore. Former Minnesota Twins and Baltimore Orioles manager Ray Miller, who spent 42 seasons in professional baseball and served as the pitching coach for three Cy Young award winners, died May 4 at the age of 76.
Photo by Roberto Borea
In this July 2, 1999 file photo, Baltimore Orioles manager Ray Miller, center, is ejected from the game by first base umpire Larry Barnett, left, as second base umpire Greg Kosc looks on during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees in New York. Former Minnesota Twins and Baltimore Orioles manager Ray Miller, who spent 42 seasons in professional baseball and served as the pitching coach for three Cy Young award winners, died May 4 at the age of 76.