TORONTO — Will Smith caught every inning of a Fall Classic that went 18 frames in Game 3 and 11 innings in Game 7. In total, the Dodgers backstop was behind the plate for 73 innings — the most by any catcher in World Series history.
But when he strode to the plate with two outs and the bases empty in the top of the 11th inning, none of that seemed to matter.
Smithâ€s focus was singular. He worked a 2-0 count against Blue Jays right-hander Shane Bieber, then got the pitch he was looking for. A slider that hung over the heart of the plate. Smith unloaded a ferocious right-handed swing. Moments later, the Dodgers had a 5-4 lead in the 11th inning of Game 7 of the World Series. They would win by that score.
“You dream of those moments,†Smith said. “Extra innings, put your team ahead. Yeah. Iâ€ll remember that one forever.â€
The baseball history books will, too.
Smith became the first player in MLB history to hit an extra-innings home run in a winner-take all World Series game. It wasnâ€t a walk-off. It still fits right alongside Bill Mazeroskiâ€s and Joe Carterâ€s (in the very same stadium to the very same left-field corner) as a legendary home run that decided a World Series clincher.
Typically stoic, Smith rounded the bases and opened his arms as he let loose a roar around first base. His teammates spilled out of the dugout and onto the warning track.
“A 2-0 count [offspeed] home run?†said first baseman Freddie Freeman. “I hope people realize that that’s not easy to do. A lot of us are taking offspeed in that situation. He was on it and hit it out. Like I said, heâ€s the silent assassin. … He will push everything off. He cares more about our pitching staff and getting them through the games. For him to have that moment after signing a 10-year extension, I’m just so happy for him.â€
Indeed, Smith has cemented his place in Dodgers history. And he probably didnâ€t need the decisive home run to do so. With much of the L.A. offense struggling around him, heâ€d already turned in an excellent Fall Classic at the plate. Smith finished with an .886 OPS and four extra-base hits.
Of course, with Smith, thatâ€s only half the story. The Dodgers†pitching staff was depleted and worn down. Pitchers were asked to navigate roles they were unaccustomed to. This World Series presented all manner of high-leverage situations.
And Smith guided that staff throughout.
“You canâ€t say enough about Will, man,†said Clayton Kershaw, whoâ€d just finished his career as a three-time World Series champ. “He just goes about his business, doesnâ€t complain … catches 18 innings, flies through the night, catches again. His legs have to feel like Jell-O.
“Heâ€s calling all the pitches, helping all the pitching staff, guiding us all through it. Heâ€s a superstar. When you talk about superstars on our team — heâ€s a superstar. He really is. He might not get the publicity of these other guys but heâ€s a superstar.â€
Hard to argue, considering everything Smith has accomplished. Heâ€s a three-time All-Star, a three-time World Series champion and one of the best catchers in baseball. Itâ€s just that, well, Smith clearly wants no part of being labeled a superstar.
“It’s just a special team,†Smith said. “A special fight tonight from these guys.â€
A month and a half ago, it wasnâ€t clear that Smith would be available for the postseason at all. In September, he sustained a hairline fracture in his left hand and came off the bench in both games of the Wild Card Series against the Reds.
But Smith played through it for the rest of the playoffs. And in the early stages of the World Series he said he began to find his swing again. Not a moment too soon. In need of a spark, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts moved Smith up in the lineup to the No. 2 spot, and Smith delivered.
After his World Series-winning home run, Smith completed his cursory high-fives and retreated to the bench to don his catching gear. Three outs later Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the World Series MVP, induced a game-ending double play.
He turned and raised both hands skyward. In the background — symbolically — was Smith, racing to the mound to wrap Yamamoto in his arms.
An hour later, Smith was again asked about himself and instead began listing the efforts of his pitching staff. He named a couple, then stopped.
“I forget the other guys,†Smith said. “That was a long game.â€
And Smith caught every inning of it. And every inning of the previous six. And, somehow, he still had it in him to deliver one of the most memorable home runs in World Series history.
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