DALLAS, TX – The baseball world is once again holding its breath as news emerges that Hall of Fame pitcher Lee Smith is facing a serious health setback, with his heart condition reportedly returning to a critical state two years after he received a life-saving heart transplant.
Smith’s family, the primary source of the recent update, has confirmed that they are “praying every second” as the legendary closer battles new complications related to his transplant.
The Ongoing Health Battle
The Main Character: Hall of Famer Lee Smith, 67, has been the face of a courageous battle against a rare, life-threatening genetic disease called Cardiac Amyloidosis.
- Initial Diagnosis: Smith was diagnosed with Cardiac Amyloidosis, a condition that causes abnormal protein deposits to stiffen the heart, severely restricting its function. At the height of his illness, his heart was pumping at only about five percent capacity.
- The Transplant: Smith underwent a successful heart transplant in July 2024 at Baylor Scott & White in Dallas. Following the surgery, he stated he felt “awesome” and was committed to raising awareness about the need for preventative check-ups, especially among men.
- The New Threat: While the initial transplant was a success, the two years following surgery are a critical period where the risk of complications, including organ rejection or the development of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy (CAV), remains high. The recent news of his condition worsening suggests a severe post-transplant complication, placing the former closer back in a serious fight for his life.
Baseball Community Rallies
Smith, who held the Major League Baseball career saves record for over a decade with 478 saves, remains an icon of both the Chicago Cubs and the entire baseball community. His recent appearance at Wrigley Field for the 2025 NLDS was a powerful reminder of his resilience.
Now, as his family requests privacy and prayer, fans, teammates, and players across the league are sending messages of support, hoping the legendary closer can once again beat the odds, just as he did on the mound over his 18-year career.
The news of Lee Smith’s ongoing health battle has brought the baseball world to a standstill. Would you like to check the latest updates on the health of any other current or former baseball players who are facing serious medical challenges?
