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Smith, Hilton

Hilton Lee Smith
Born: February 27, 1912, Giddings, Texas
Died: November 18, 1983, Kansas City, Missouri
Bats: 
Right
Throws: 
Right
Played For: 
Monroe Monarchs (1932-1935), New Orleans Black Creoles (1933), New Orleans Crescent Stars (1933), Kansas City Monarchs (1936-1948)
Elected to the Hall of Fame by Veterans Committee: 2001
Biography: 

Hilton Smith played in the shadow of the legendary Satchel Paige though he was a standout pitcher in his own right. Smith spent most of his career with the Kansas City Monarchs and is credited with winning 20 or more games in each of his 12 seasons with the team, including an imposing record of 93-11 from 1939-42. The quiet Smith often followed Paige in long relief with an assortment of pitches, highlighted by a sweeping curveball and a devastating fastball. Smith played in six consecutive East-West All-Star Games from 1937-42 and was a member of seven Monarch pennant-winners.

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Did You Know: 
that Hilton Smith advised Kansas City Monarchs owner J.L. Wilkinson to sign Jackie Robinson to a contract with the powerhouse Negro American League club?
I just made myself, didn't have a teacher. I kept picking up and looking and learning as I went up.