Remembering Willie Smith
Former Cubs outfielder Willie Smith passed away on Monday from an apparent heart attack at his home in Anniston, Alabama. He was 66.
Smith was with the Cubs from 1968-70 as an outfielder and pinch-hitter. Fans will always remember him for one of the most dramatic and memorable home runs in Cubs history. His pinch-hit 11th inning shot to right field on Opening Day in 1969 beat the Phillies and set the tone for an unforgettable summer on the North Side. It was one of Jack Brickhouse's signature calls - "back...back...back. Hey hey! It's all over. Willie Smith just homered. The Cubs win the game!"
Reminiscing recently, second baseman Glenn Beckert remembered it was nice to win the game for more than one reason. "I was in the dugout trying to keep warm and I wanted to give Willie a kiss for doing it because I was freezing!"
We'll be sure to take a moment on Opening Day to show that home run and remember Willie Smith.
