The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
White Sox catcher Smith glad he called career audible as Pitt QB
Chicago Tribune
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“A lot of guys get in the box and go, ‘Dude, you played Division I football? Wow,’ “Smith said. “It’s comical to me people are more fascinated that I was a college quarterback. I’m like, ‘Come on, we’re in the big leagues. This is much cooler.’”
Old habits die hard and Smith still wears an Under Armour wristband carrying handwritten reminders about hitters the way it used to carry football plays. Smith saw former Cubs catcher David Ross wearing one last year so, now, Smith consults his cheat sheet between batters to call a smarter game.
“I was standing on second and (Astros second b aseman) Jose Altuve yelled, ‘Hey, what’s that thing say?’ And I said, ‘It says to throw you heaters, Altuve,’ “Smith said, laughing. “It just brings a sense of peace and confidence calling pitches.”
It appears to be working. Before veteran Derek Holland’s start Tuesday, coach Don Cooper wanted to go over the scouting report with the Sox lefty.
“I got a hell of a compliment when Holland said, ‘I’m good, I trust everything “Smitty” does,’” Smith said.
Every day, that becomes a little easier for the Sox to do.