Will Smith’s Clutch Heroics Shine Again

Looking back, maybe the baseball community had a hint of what was to come.

On the night Will Smith debuted in the MLB back in June 2019, he made quite an impression by hitting a walk-off home run.

Since then, the Dodgers’ primary catcher has established a reputation for his remarkable late-game performances.

When asked if Dave Roberts considers Smith the most underrated clutch player in the game, the seasoned coach couldn’t help but smile.

“From my biased perspective, yes,” he replied.

Smith boasts five career walk-off hits. He’s hit 19 home runs throughout this regular season alone, many of which either tied the game or gave his team a lead after the seventh inning. Last year, he further shined in the World Series with two significant home runs, including the game-winner in the seventh game’s overtime in Toronto.

On Saturday, the Dodgers faced a challenging eighth-inning deficit against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Smith stepped up and demonstrated once again how reliable he can be.

Celebrating his 31st birthday and a special bobblehead event, he delivered a game-changing, two-run home run with two outs, lifting his team to a 3-2 victory and completing a season-opening sweep.

“It’s fun to be in that situation,” Smith shared afterward. “I feel prepared and calm, not forcing anything.”

“With Will, there was never a hint of panic,” added Roberts.

As expected, Smith’s success stemmed from his patience and composure. He fended off multiple two-strike fastballs from Juan Morillo before hitting a blistering 98 mph pitch to center field.

A humble demeanor marked his celebration as he rounded the bases, hoping the ball would carry and showcasing a simple fist pump.

“When you think of impactful players, Will is definitely among the top,” Roberts said. “He doesn’t seek attention, but since his rookie debut with that walk-off homer, his talent has been undeniable.”

Interestingly, Smith almost didn’t start that game. Roberts had considered putting in backup Dalton Rushing after they had played two games to kick off the season.

However, after Smith approached Roberts, humorously urging him to allow him to play on bobblehead night, he convinced the coach that he felt good enough to take the field.

Roberts reflected, “It was the right call to have him start.”

Smith has a knack for stepping up in challenging situations.

According to Baseball Reference, his OPS in late-game scenarios—especially after the seventh inning with tight scores—reaches .927, which is nearly 100 points higher than his overall figure.

He attributed his confidence to each successful moment.

“When pitchers are stressed, they falter,” he observed. “But I remain calm and collected.”

That was evident on Saturday, even though he had some initial concerns about his swing.

He took extra time in the batting cage to work on his speed, which clearly paid off, as he navigated Morillo’s fastballs before clinching the victory.

“It’s a skill I’ve honed,” he remarked. “It’s about learning from others who excel in pressurized situations.”

As perhaps one of baseball’s most overlooked clutch hitters, Smith might just be the one to impart those important lessons.