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General Discussion => Talk Zone => Topic started by: OregonStrosFan on December 17, 2008, 08:48:57 pm

Title: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: OregonStrosFan on December 17, 2008, 08:48:57 pm
Former Astros Pitcher Dave Smith Passes Away (http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=8095667&version=4&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1)

Former Astros pitcher Dave Smith died Wednesday according to one of his former teammates, Joe Sambito, who is now a baseball agent. Sambito told FOX 26 Sports he was informed by a family friend that Smith died of a heart attack in the San Diego, California area. *** Smith passed away at the age of 53.
Title: Re: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: austro on December 17, 2008, 08:54:45 pm
More sadness. This has been a tough year.
Title: Re: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: ValpoCory on December 17, 2008, 10:50:59 pm
RIP Dave Smith.
Title: Re: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: Curly on December 18, 2008, 12:23:22 am
Hang loose in the land of the never ending tube.  Loved to watch him finish a game.
Title: Re: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: Col. Sphinx Drummond on December 18, 2008, 05:29:00 am
RIP Dave. Total bummer.
Title: Re: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: GreatBagwellsBeard on December 18, 2008, 05:32:32 am
I had a Dave Smith Starting Lineup figure on my dresser all through my Little League years.  Thoughts and prayers with his family.
Title: Re: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: Ty in Tampa on December 18, 2008, 05:38:06 am
Damn. One of my favorites. Rest well.
Title: Re: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: otterjb on December 18, 2008, 05:55:25 am
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/breaking-news/story/817609.html:

"He was the most giving, unconditionally compassionate man anyone ever came across," Flannery said. "Everybody's got Dave Smith stories. Usually it's him reaching into his pocket and pulling out $100 to give to someone selling newspapers for a quarter.

"Going back to his playing days, he was one of the great closers and a fierce competitor," Flannery said. "He also had a zest for life; reckless abandon at times. He's gone at 53. He earned every moment of his life. He packed a lot into it."
Title: Re: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: Tralfaz on December 18, 2008, 09:15:19 am
From the Tribune-

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-081218-dave-smith-chicago-cubs-houston-astros,0,4326573.story

One of my favorites, rock on Smitty.
Title: Re: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: JimR on December 18, 2008, 10:39:41 am
he struck Ray Knight out in the 9th of Game 6. fuck Fred Brocklander.
Title: Re: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: Mr. Happy on December 18, 2008, 11:23:24 am
Also one of my favorite all-time Astros, Smith was tough. But apparently a very sweet man off of the field. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Title: Re: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: Taras Bulba on December 18, 2008, 01:45:47 pm
The dude abided.
Title: Re: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: Noe on December 18, 2008, 03:08:21 pm
I seem to recall that Smithy was dealing with some personal demons in 1999 and left the Padres to take care of his problems.  He told Dierker personally during a series at the dome.  That same series, Dierker collapsed in a seizure caused by a brain tumor.  I may have some of dates mixed up, but I do recall thinking at the time that hopefully both Smithy and Dierker could fight back and conquer the stuff that had beset both of them and get back to baseball.

Sad news today, RIP Smithy, the best example of how being a closer isn't entirely about blowing people away... it's about getting three outs quickly and effectively to close out the game.
Title: Re: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: strosrays on December 18, 2008, 03:22:24 pm
Surfer.  Rest in peace.  Amen.
Title: Re: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: hostros7 on December 18, 2008, 04:33:25 pm
I seem to recall that Smithy was dealing with some personal demons in 1999 and left the Padres to take care of his problems.  He told Dierker personally during a series at the dome.  That same series, Dierker collapsed in a seizure caused by a brain tumor.  I may have some of dates mixed up, but I do recall thinking at the time that hopefully both Smithy and Dierker could fight back and conquer the stuff that had beset both of them and get back to baseball.

Sad news today, RIP Smithy, the best example of how being a closer isn't entirely about blowing people away... it's about getting three outs quickly and effectively to close out the game.

I heard a quote from JD on the radio where he mentioned Smith battled with alcohol (seemed other demons as well but that is my inference) and had been to rehabilitation as well.  JD said that he kept in contact in the past but had fallen out in the last 3 years and that he and other friends were somewhat waiting for his time to come.  He didn't want to say that the heart attack was a direct result but that it certainly could have been a contributing factor.  Sad story to hear of another good guy who could overcome his devices.
Title: Re: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: SoonerJim on December 18, 2008, 05:10:26 pm
More sadness. This has been a tough year.

Agree, this year can't end soon enough. He was money in the division winning year. RIP, best Astro closer
Title: Re: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: kevwun on December 18, 2008, 09:36:09 pm
I got my first autograph from him.  Rest in Peace, Dave.
Title: Re: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: Noe on December 19, 2008, 09:24:02 am
I heard a quote from JD on the radio where he mentioned Smith battled with alcohol (seemed other demons as well but that is my inference) and had been to rehabilitation as well.  JD said that he kept in contact in the past but had fallen out in the last 3 years and that he and other friends were somewhat waiting for his time to come.  He didn't want to say that the heart attack was a direct result but that it certainly could have been a contributing factor.  Sad story to hear of another good guy who could overcome his devices.

Yes, my obtuse reference was meant to be just that... a way to say that Smithy needed rehab for alcohol abuse.  I just didn't think it was appropriate to spell out his problems, but Dave Smith did struggle big time with this problem.
Title: Re: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: hostros7 on December 19, 2008, 09:34:04 am
Right, I was surprised to hear that JD did.  But I guess it does serve as a caution to all those who overindulge.
Title: Re: RIP Dave Smith
Post by: Texifornia on December 20, 2008, 02:10:30 pm
he struck Ray Knight out in the 9th of Game 6. fuck Fred Brocklander.

Damn straight!