Reggie Smith was acquired by the Red Sox in what remains one of the shrewdest moves in franchise history. Originally signed by Minnesota, Smith debuted in Boston in 1966 and quickly became a cornerstone of the youth movement. By 1967, he was the everyday center fielder and the runner-up for the AL Rookie of the Year, serving as a vital spark for the pennant-winning squad. His ability to impact the game from both sides of the plate and all three outfield positions made him a tactical nightmare for opposing managers.

Smith’s run in Boston is noted for his five-year peak from 1969 to 1973. During this stretch, he launched at least 20 home runs every season, showcasing a rare blend of power and contact that saw him hit over .300 twice. He was a doubles machine, leading the American League in two-baggers twice (1968 and 1971). His 1971 campaign was his statistical masterpiece: he blasted 30 home runs, drove in 96, and led the league with 302 Total Bases, finishing with a career-high .841 OPS.

Defensively, Smith possessed one of the most legendary throwing arms in baseball history.  This was on full display in 1968 when he earned a Gold Glove and recorded 15 outfield assists, a "rifle" that discouraged runners from even attempting to advance. He was a seven-time All-Star who brought a scientific, analytical approach to his craft, often outthinking pitchers long before "Launch Angle" was a part of the lexicon. In the 1967 World Series, he proved his high-leverage worth by slugging two home runs against the Cardinals, including a go-ahead shot in Game 6.

Though he was traded to St. Louis after the 1973 season, a move that eventually brought back key pieces like Rick Wise and Bernie Carbo, Smith left an indelible mark on Boston. He finished his Red Sox tenure with 149 home runs, 1,064 hits, and a stellar .281 average. Recognizing his status as one of the most complete players to ever wear the uniform, the Red Sox inducted him into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2000.

In the late 70’s, Hall of Fame pitcher Don Sutton famously noted that Steve Garvey was not the best player on the Dodgers; it was Reggie Smith. Garvey may have been the most popular, but Sutton was not alone in his assessment of Reggie Smith.

In his prime, Reggie Smith was a legitimate five-tool player. He had decent power, decent speed, and was a smart player who always knew how to get on base. In retrospect, it is hard to find a real criticism of his game, as he was above average in every aspect of his baseball acumen. In fact, should we ever look to do the most underrated players in baseball history, Reggie Smith might very well make the top (or at least top ten) of our list.

Reggie Smith failed to gain the attention of fans and writers alike, as good as he was at different baseball skills, he was not the best at any of them. He could hit homers, but many hit more. He could steal, but many swiped more. He could field, but many were better. Reggie did everything so well, but without one “great” on the baseball report card, he failed to achieve the fame he should have despite playing for high-profile squads.