A reliable shortstop in the days when a fielding average below .900 could lead the
league, Smith was noted for his far-ranging play. His .886 fielding average did,
in fact, lead the
American Association in 1887. When the AA folded in 1890, he moved
from its Brooklyn team to the
National League's new Brooklyn franchise. In 1891 John
Montgomery Ward took over as manager and shortstop, and Smith was off to Cincinnati.
There he led NL shortstops in assists each year from 1891 to 1894.
(JK)