Smith grew up in LA, CA. He won the INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE batting title in 1966 with a .320 average while playing for the TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS. He was called up to the major leagues late in that season and played for the RED SOX (1966–73), CARDINALS (1974–76), DODGERS (1976–81) and GIANTS (1982). Smith appeared in four WORLD SERIES, including during his rookie 1967 for the Red Sox, and three (1977, '78, '81) for the Dodgers. He hit three home runs in the 1977 series.
In the 1978 season, Dodger pitcher DON SUTTON went public with comments that Smith was a more valuable player to the Dodgers than the more-celebrated STEVE GARVEY. This led to an infamous clubhouse wrestling match between Sutton and Garvey.
In the 1981 season as a member of the Dodgers, Smith was taunted by GIANTS fan Michael Dooley, who then threw a batting helmet at him. Smith then jumped into the stands at CANDLESTICK PARK and started punching him. He was ejected from the game, and Dooley was arrested. Five months later, Smith joined the Giants as a FREE AGENT. He spent one season in San Francisco, then moved on to Japan with the YOMIURI GIANTS for two seasons before retiring in 1984