Cubs of Yore: Dwight Smith

Nickname: D-Baby

Played for The Cub: 1989-1993

Random Write-up: It's a sad, sad tale when you're known to most Cub fans for playing second fiddle to Jerome Walton, but that's reality. Though Dwight proved to have the (slightly) more productive big league career between the two, his best season was his first, and that was when he finished second on the Rookie of the Year ballot, behind Saint Jerome. In his rookie year, The Cubs took the top spot in the NL East, with Smith hitting an impressive .324 in the two-slot behind, again, Jerome Walton, primarily playing left field, splitting time with Mitch Webster and Lloyd McClendon. Not an easy thing to do, splitting time with Cub Legends such as those. Dwight's high energy game and constant smiles were a welcomed sight in 1989, and there is no doubt that Dwight was pivotal to the team's success.

What the hell?: As some of you diehard and longtime TMS readers know, Dwight has been seen at some Cub Conventions, and even held conversation with our own Chaim Witz and the surly and elusive Tommy Buzanis. With a penchant for wearing loud and outlandish suits that would make even Craig Sager cringe, Dwight is legendary in the Saloon for his public drinking and the trademark phrase of "Aww shit, you know..." when answering any question. It's true.

Also of Note: Not to be confused with the current Minnesota Vikings defensive back, the real Dwight was a second phase 3rd round pick by the Cubs in 1984, and toiled in the minors for five seasons before getting his shot with the big squad. Always a talented singer, Dwight sang the national anthem many times before games, including a game that Your's Truly was blessed to attend. D-Baby struggled to get consistent playing time after leaving the Cubs, but he did win a World Series ring with the Atlanta Braves in 1995, even getting a key pinch hit single in Game 1, and drawing a walk later in the series. Longtime Cub equipment manager, Yosh Kowano said that Dwight was one of his favorite players during his 65 year tenure with the club.

Aww shit, Did You Know? Not only did Dwight Smith have one of the finest manicured mustaches in Cub history, but he also had his own Dwight Smith Game. Much like The Sandberg Game against the Cardinals, Dwight Smith had his own heyday in 1989, when the Cubs rallied from a 9-0 deficit to beat the Astros 10-9. Dwight was a late inning replacement, and ended up with two hits, three RBI, including the game winner. All hail Dwight!