LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — He grew up playing baseball on the fields of Louisville. Now, Dodgers catcher Will Smith is back on the game's biggest stage chasing his third World Series ring.
Smith, a former University of Louisville standout, has become one of Major League Baseball's top catchers since being drafted in the first round by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016. He is already a two-time World Series champion and three-time MLB All-Star.
At UCL, Smith impressed head coach Dan McDonald, who has a sign of Smith holding the World Series trophy on his desk.
“It’s not often that a local kid plays at your college and is one of the best players in the game,” McDonald said. “We probably won more games than any other team in those three years when he was here.”
McDonald said it was a proud moment to see Smith win it all last year. “As a lifelong Yankees fan, I had to remind my brother that we couldn't cheer for the Yankees that night and Will Smith gave us tickets,” he said with a laugh.
Before the bright lights, Smith was already a standout at Kentucky Country Day. His former coach, Joe Maione, remembers spotting Smith's potential as a sophomore.
“He just has an electric arm,” Maione said. “He’s really good at pitching.”
In middle school, Smith started playing on the school team. “Great work ethic, great humanity and a ton of talent that goes with it,” Mahone said.
When Smith entered the major leagues, he sent Mahone a signed jersey that still hangs in the coach's office. “Thank you for everything you've done to help me – I wouldn't be here without you,” Mayone read from what Smith wrote.
Both of his former coaches credit Smith's calmness and steady nature as keys to his success.
“He never gets too tall,” McDonald said.
“Never get too low, just always keep a calm attitude,” Mahone added.
Now, a banner hanging above Jim Patterson Stadium calls him a “hometown hero.” If the Dodgers win again, Will Smith will soon add a third championship ring to his collection.
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