Get ready to celebrate a true baseball legend! Reggie Smith, the former Dodgers switch-hitting outfielder and hitting coach, is set to join the prestigious Legends of Dodger Baseball on August 15, 2026. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: Smith is the third consecutive inductee from the iconic Dodgers team that dominated the National League with three pennants in five years, culminating in a thrilling World Series victory in 1981. This streak began with Dusty Baker in 2024 and continued with Ron Cey in 2025, making Smith’s induction a fitting tribute to that golden era.
Smith’s journey with the Dodgers began in June 1976 when he arrived from the Cardinals. Over the next five full seasons, he became a cornerstone of the team, earning three All-Star selections out of his seven career appearances. His 1977 season was nothing short of historic—he smashed a career-high 32 home runs, helping the Dodgers become the first MLB team ever to have four players each hit 30 or more home runs in a single season. That same year, he finished fourth in National League MVP voting, a feat he repeated in 1978, both of which were pennant-winning years for Los Angeles.
During his time with the Dodgers, Smith posted an impressive .297/.387/.528 slash line, with 97 home runs and 89 doubles in 542 games. His 152 OPS+ ranks as the fourth-best in the franchise’s 142-year history, trailing only legends like Mike Piazza, Gary Sheffield, and Jack Fournier. And this is the part most people miss: Smith’s impact extended beyond the field. After retiring, he served as a minor league coach for the Dodgers from 1989 to 1993 and later as the major league hitting coach from 1995 to 1998, shaping the next generation of players.
In a heartfelt press release, Smith shared, ‘I tell people I was a Dodger before I actually joined the team. Growing up as a young African American player, I had immense respect for Jackie Robinson. When the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles, I finally had the chance to see them play, though Jackie had already retired. He was my boyhood hero, so becoming a Dodger was incredibly special.’ This deep connection to the team’s legacy makes his induction all the more meaningful.
As a Legend of Dodger Baseball, Smith will receive a plaque in the center field plaza at Dodger Stadium, joining an elite group of honorees. His induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 15, before the Dodgers face the Brewers at home. He’s the 10th inductee since the program’s inception in 2019, following in the footsteps of greats like Don Newcombe, Steve Garvey, and Fernando Valenzuela.
But here’s the controversial question: With Smith’s induction, are we truly recognizing the full impact of players who bridged the gap between on-field excellence and coaching mentorship? His dual role as a player and coach sets him apart, but does the baseball world give enough credit to those who shape the game both on and off the field? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate worth having!
