Dave Smith, 53, All-Star closer led Astros in games pitched

Houston Astros pitcher Dave Smith, answering questions after a baseball game. (ap/file 1986)

SAN DIEGO - Dave Smith, a former All-Star closer who holds the Houston Astros record for games pitched, died Wednesday. He was 53.

Former big leaguer Tim Flannery said Mr. Smith apparently died of a heart attack, but the official cause of death wasn't known.

"He's gone. My tears are the rain," Flannery, the San Francisco Giants' third base coach, said.

Mr. Smith was an All-Star with Houston in 1986 and 1990 and had 216 saves in a 13-year career. He played with Houston from 1980-90 before finishing his career with two seasons with the Chicago Cubs.

His 563 outings with the Astros is tops on the club's list, and his 199 saves ranks second.

Flannery said he spent time Wednesday afternoon with members of the Smith family in northern San Diego County. Flannery and Mr. Smith worked together on the San Diego Padres' coaching staff from 1999 until Mr. Smith resigned in June 2001 to spend more time with his family. Mr. Smith missed the first month of the 2001 season to complete an alcohol rehabilitation program.

"He was the most giving, unconditionally compassionate man anyone ever came across," Flannery said. "Everybody's got Dave Smith stories. Usually it's him reaching into his pocket and pulling out $100 to give to someone selling newspapers for a quarter.

"Going back to his playing days, he was one of the great closers and a fierce competitor," Flannery said. "He also had a zest for life, reckless abandon at times. He's gone at 53. He earned every moment of his life. He packed a lot into it."

Flannery said services were pending, but added that he and other surfers plan to paddle out onto the Pacific Ocean to spread Mr. Smith's ashes across the water.

"That was what he asked. That is what surfers do," Flannery said.