Billy Smith, Jay class of '71

Billy Smith, class of '71, was on the same unbelievably talented Jay baseball team with Mickey and Rick Mahler. All three high school teammates ultimately played Major League Baseball! Billy was drafted in the 3rd round and broke into the major leagues at the young age of 21. He played for the Angels, Orioles, and Giants over a 6 year career. The highlight of Billy's career was playing in the 1979 World Series with the Baltimore Orioles and legendary coach Earl Weaver.

While at a Jay football game in the fall of 1979, I was an incredibly excited 10 year-old when they announced Billy was in the stands visiting his alma mater. Having been a baseball card collector, I immediately knew who Billy was, but had no idea he went to our own John Jay High School! San Antonio area students and Jay kids have no idea how much they have to be proud of.