RELATED LINKS » 1962: Musial Breaks Wagner's NL Hits Record

Smith was an All-Star catcher in 1957 and again in 1959, when he hit 13 home runs for St. Louis. Disabled in June of 1961 after experiencing heart problems, Smith was made a Cardinal coach, then managed in the minors. He played four games with Pittsburgh in 1965, coached for the Pirates, Reds, and Brewers, and became a longtime Cardinals scout. (RTM)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » May 27, 1956: Thanks to a dropped 3rd strike by C Hobie Landrith, P Jim Davis of the Cubs fans four straight Cardinals in the 6th inning. Wally Moon leads off the inning with a double and then steals 3B. The knuckler then K's Hal Smith and Jackie Brandt. His 3rd strike on Lindy McDaniel eludes Landrith, and the pitcher reaches first while Moon scores. Don Blasingame then strikes out for the 4th strikeout in the inning. Not since Guy Morton, in 1916, has a pitcher fanned four in one inning. But the Cubs still lose, 11–9. The Cards pummel the Cubs in the 2nd game as well, winning 12–2. » April 14, 1959: The Dodgers set a new night-game attendance record when 61,552 fans watch their home opener against the Cards. Lindy McDaniel spoils the party with a 6-hitter and beats Johnny Podres, 6–2. Hal Smith hits a 2-run homer for St. Louis.