Dick Smith 1963-64

[Met Hunter]

Not sure if it's been addressed, but recently on an autograph collector's site, I read the enclosed posting. I haven't had luck locating any further information.


From Sports Collector Net with regard to Dick Smith:

Similar to the Ron Slocum mystery, I had suspected that this former Met and Dodger had passed. On the way home from a family reunion in Oregon, I stopped by mobile home park listed in the Address books. A caretaker as well as the mobile park manager confirmed that Dick had passed away three-four years ago.

[Edgy MD]

Good to see Met Hunter around, if for all the wrong reasons.

Met Hunter, that relative you like, and make a note to not just meet up with at weddings and wakes, but you never do.

[Met Hunter]

I'm still around Edgy. Always enjoy reading this page. You guys are a wealth of knowledge, far more advanced than I can contribute. So I stick to what I know. My historical Mets and watching and rooting and hoping for something big.

[G-Fafif]

Met Hunter seems to have spurred the answer to his question on Facebook regarding the details on the passing of Mr. Smith on, reportedly, February 19, 2012.

Richard A. Smith Richard A. Smith, 72, of Central Point, Ore., passed away Sunday, February 19, 2012, at Medford Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

For those who don't recognize the name Dick Smith, it was he and his fellow Smith (unrelated), Charley, who were at the heart of one of the most referenced days in Mets history, the "Did They Win?" 19-1 victory over the Cubs at Wrigley Field, May 26, 1964. Dick recorded five hits in that game and drove in a pair. Relative to the rest of his Met time, it was a highly Nieuwenhuisian performance.

The news may have taken a while to reach us, but RIP.

[Benjamin Grimm]

Are we sure that's the same guy? There can be any number of Richard Smiths, including the famous bull-riding founder of my hometown of Smithtown.

[Edgy MD]

I thought Smithtown was named for farmer/preacher Mordecai "The Rock" Smith.

[G-Fafif]

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Are we sure that's the same guy? There can be any number of Richard Smiths, including the famous bull-riding founder of my hometown of Smithtown.

Next thing you'll be asking is if it's possible two Bob Millers or Robert Joneses could be on the same baseball team.

Based on middle initial, age, locale and what MH read on Sport Collector Net, sounds close enough to call.

The passing (of whoever this is) three days after Gary Carter.

[Benjamin Grimm]

Maybe we can get this Richard A. Smith on the phone and ask him if he's really dead?

[Guest d'Kong76]

G-Fafif wrote: Next thing you'll be asking is if it's possible two Bob Millers or Robert Joneses could be on the same baseball team.

At least the Joneses were kind enough to come in different shades.

[Zvon]

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Are we sure that's the same guy? There can be any number of Richard Smiths, including the famous bull-riding founder of my hometown of Smithtown.

I'm sure I must have mentioned: 32 Carnegie Drive. Dogwood Elementary, 1964-1967. Loved it out there. Must be all built up.