Early Life
Rodney Chad Smith, often referred to as R.C. Smith, was born on August 6, 1995, in McCalla, Alabama. He grew up in a close-knit family, with two siblings, where he developed his passion for baseball at a young age.
Education and Early Career
- Smith attended Wallace State Community College, where he played college baseball before transferring to the University of Mississippi.
- At Ole Miss, Smith showcased his skills on the field, catching the attention of MLB scouts.
- In 2015, he was initially drafted by the Cleveland Guardians but chose to further his education and athletic career at Ole Miss instead.
Professional Baseball Career
In 2016, Rodney Chad Smith was drafted by the Miami Marlins during the 11th round of the Major League Draft. This marked the beginning of his professional baseball career.
Trade to the Colorado Rockies
- After several successful seasons with the Marlins, Smith was acquired by the Colorado Rockies via trade in August 2020.
Major League Debut
- Smith made his major league debut on May 29, 2022, pitching against the Washington Nationals. In his debut game, he pitched one inning and collected one strikeout.
Personal Life
Outside of baseball, Rodney Chad Smith enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He continues to stay connected to his roots in Alabama, where his family still resides.
Trivia
- Smith is a former collegiate athlete from Ole Miss, joining the ranks of illustrious athletes such as Eli Manning and D.K. Metcalf.
As a right-handed reliever, Rodney Chad Smith continues to make strides in his professional baseball career, impressing fans and scouts alike with his talent and determination on the field.