A. Ray Smith

A. Ray Smith (May 1, 1915 – June 28, 1999, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States) was a long-time baseball executive, best known for his ownership of the minor-league Tulsa Oilers franchise, which he later moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where the team set minor league attendance records.^[1]

Biography

Born in

Albuquerque. Smith persuaded Howlett to sell him a stake in the team for $25,000. A few months later, in July 1961, he bought out Howlett's interest and became sole owner.^[1]

The Oilers moved from the

Cleveland Indians, a Major League Baseball

team.

During Smith's ownership, the Oilers won five league titles (two Texas League, one PCL, two AA), but struggled with the deteriorating condition of their aging stadium,

Springfield Redbirds.^[1]

After the 1981 season, he again moved the team, to

Louisville RiverBats and now the Louisville Bats). The team was a great success in Louisville, setting minor league attendance records. Smith was named Executive of the Year by The Sporting News in 1983.^[1]

In 1985, he bid on the Cincinnati Reds, however he was outbid by Marge Schott.

After the 1986 season, Smith sold the Redbirds. He then attempted to bring baseball to St. Petersburg, Florida, but was unable to bring that goal to fruition.

He also served on the board of the

Anaheim Angels

for seven years.