Smith, a Columbia graduate, had little ML success, losing over two-thirds of his decisions. His only full-season winning mark came in 1918 when he was 8-7 while pitching for three different NL teams. In 1921 with the Phillies he led the NL in losses (20) while winning only four. After retiring from baseball, he was head of a high school math department. (JK)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » September 3, 1917: Trying to keep the Phils in the race, Grover Alexander does double duty, beating Brooklyn 6–0 and 9–3 in a Labor Day twinbill. Rube Marquard and Allan Russell try and stop Pete in the opener, while Jack Coombs and George Smith pitch in the nitecap. Milt Stock lines a homer in the opener when Zack Wheat, hampered by a sore ankle, can't reach his drive. Dode Paskert's bases loaded triple in the 2nd game is the big blow. Alex will win 30 for the 3rd straight year, with a league-leading 1.86 ERA. » August 12, 1921: The Phillies George Smith allows 12 hits but still manages to shut out the Braves, 4–0. » April 25, 1922: Promising rookie outfielder Ralph Shinners is beaned by Phils righty George Smith in a 9–2 Giants win. When Shinners returns in a few days he is not the same hitter. An angry John McGraw accuses Smith of a deliberate beaning and Shinners and Smith will later brawl at the Polo Grounds over the beaning. McGraw will finally send the Giants rookie down on August 3rd.