But late Wednesday afternoon, sports director Bob Allen got a call from Dave's former teammate, Joe Sambito, with the news Smith had passed away at the age of 53.
From that 80's pitching staff, Smith is gone as are Vern Ruhle and Joe Niekro.
Former Astros pitcher Dave Smith dies
HOUSTON Smith had the club record for saves with 199 from 1980 thru the '92 season, until he was passed by Billy Wagner. In 1986, when the Astros battled the Mets in the postseason, Dave led the team with 33 saves.
Send us your sports story tips | More sports stories
Astros page | MLB standings | MLB scoreboard | Astros stats
