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Hilton Smith began as a raw pitcher and hitter for the Kansas City Monarchs in 1937. Under the tutelage of Frank Duncan, and and Hall of Famers Joe Rogan and Andy Cooper, Smith blossomed into a force in the Negro American League.

Smith was one of the top pitchers baseball has ever seen. Alongside Satchel Paige, Smith gave the Monarchs an unmatched pitching duo.

According to the Hall of Fame’s website, Negro League Museum president Bob Kendrick once said of the two: “The old-timers would all say that if you were going to hit anything, you better hit it off Satchel because you weren’t going to touch Hilton Smith.”

Smith was outstanding when it counted. According to Baseball Reference, he pitched in four postseason series. His record there was 6-0 with a 1.49 ERA. The site also lists him as a .318 batter in five postseason series.

Toward the end of his career, Smith encouraged Monarchs owner J.L. Wilkinson to sign Jackie Robinson to a contract.

When he left the game, Smith became a teacher and later a foreman at a steel plant. He also served as a scout for the Cubs.

Later in his life he advocated for the inclusion of Negro Leaguers at Cooperstown. Smith passed away in 1983 in Kansas City, 18 years before his 2001 Hall of Fame induction.

In the collection is a 3×5 card filled out entirely in Smith’s hand. After signing his name he writes, “Pitcher KC Monarchs B.B. Club. I played outfield also pinch hit for the club I hit over .300 every year and won 315 games in my lifetime”.