Saturday, August 15, 2026

Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2026

Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman struck out with the bases loaded, and that is all you need to know. The bigger story is that Reggie Smith finally joined the Legends of Dodger Baseball.

On a pleasant Saturday afternoon, the Los Angeles Dodgers lost to the Milwaukee Brewers, 4–1. Jacob Misiorowski was good even though the Dodgers made contact.

Before the game, the Dodgers inducted Reggie Smith into The Legends of Dodger Baseball.

Smith played for the Dodgers from 1977 to 1981. I was a kid when he played for the Dodgers. I was a fan of Dusty Baker and Steve Garvey. Smith was there. I was too young to realize how talented Smith was.

Tommy Lasorda said that Smith had the most talent of any player he ever managed.

Smith was a premier switch-hitter.  He was a center fielder who earned one Gold Glove in 1968 as a member of the Boston Red Sox.

While with the Dodgers, he went to three All-Star Games and three World Series. Smith earned a World Championship ring in 1981. In 1977, he was one of the Dodgers who hit at least thirty home runs.

After Smith retired, he was a batting coach for the Dodgers from 1993 to 1998. He played a vital role in Mike Piazza and Eric Karros’ careers.

Upon leaving the Dodgers, Smith established a baseball school in Campton, mentoring the younger generation of players. He is a mentor and friend to Dave Roberts, who named Smith an honorary coach to the 2021 National League All-Star Team.

Smith has been outspoken about the rights of African-Americans. His views sometimes made him unpopular, but as a Dodger, he was a fan favorite.

While I didn’t appreciate his greatness as a little kid, I am glad he is a Legend of Dodger Baseball.

On Sunday, with Tarik Skubal on the mound, the Dodgers will try to earn a split against the Brewers.