10. Lee Smith, RHP
Career Stats: 1,022 G (6 GS), 478 SV, 1,289 1/3 IP, 3.03 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 9.02 BB%, 23.22 K%
Really centering the debate about the Hall of Fame and how it should treat the modern closer, and how voters should value the “save” statistic, Smith ended up becoming known for his numbers when he was so much more on the mound.
Standing 6’5″, and weighing in at well over 200 pounds (usually 250+) throughout his career, Smith was incredibly intimidating on the mound from the moment he made his debut in the major leagues in 1980 for the Chicago Cubs.
Smith had the type of stuff that could absolutely dominate hitters on top of his intimidating size. However, he was consistently on poor teams, only getting to pitch in two postseasons in 18 major league seasons.
In spite of being on mediocre to poor teams, Smith was able to lead the league in saves 4 times. However, bouncing around 7 teams over the course of 5 seasons at the end of his career likely shaded his view with many around the game as to his true dominance, even though he led the league in saves in one of those seasons.
Smith was selected to 7 All-Star games, won 3 Rolaids Relief awards, appeared in 4 MVP votes, and was on Cy Young ballots in 4 seasons.
He appeared on Hall of Fame ballots the maximum 15 times, always earning enough votes to stay on the next season, but he only once garnered more than 50% of the vote the entire time he was on the ballot, staying between 29.9% and 50.6%.
Next: 9. Hoff