Matthew Smith

Matthew J. Smith is a professional baseball player from the United States of America and is a relief pitcher. A graduate of the Bishop Gorman High School, Smith was a 3-year letter winner for the school's team. He went on to attend Ohio State University and was the all-time strikeouts' leader with 348. He was also named to the Big 12 Second Team twice while being part of the First Team once.

In the 1997 MLB Draft, Smith was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 44th round at 1310th overall. He played through the minor divisions but never broke into the MLB side and in 2005, was traded out to the New York Yankees.

With the Yankees, he continued in the minor leagues and had a 2005 season with the AA-Trenton Thunder as well as a spell with the AAA-Columbus Clippers. Smith had a 2.65 ERA with a 5-4 record in 82 1/3 innings pitched. His MLB Debut came in April against the Minnesota Twins but could only manage one-out before being replaced on the mound. Later in 2006, the Yankees traded in Bobby Abreu and Cory Lidle and Smith, along with three others, were the casualties in the exchange.

With the Philies, Smith pitched in 14 games in 2006 before playing 9 more in 2007. His ERA of 11.25 in 2007 meant that he was pushed down to the AAA-Ottawa Lynx where he had a 2-1 record with a 2.60 ERA. Although designated for assignment in January 2008, he was later invited for Spring Training, only to become a free agent in the end of the season. He signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs for 2009.