Tag: Battle of the Bulge

No. 48: Milt Smith

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This post is part of a media project called SoCal Sports History 101: The Prime Numbers from 00 to 99 that Uniformly, Uniquely and Unapologetically Reveal The Narrative of Our Region’s Athletic Heritage. Pick a number, and consider the list of athletes attached to it. Who wore it best? Or, what’s the most compelling story linked to it? Any person, place or thing is in play with Southern California connections. Star power, transformational achievement, longevity, notoriety and quirkiness all factor in. Whatever leads to a lively discussion and interpretation.

The most obvious choices for No. 48:

Les Richter, Los Angeles Rams
Ramon Martinez, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher
Dave Stewart, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher
Torii Hunter, Anaheim Angels outfielder

The not-so-obvious choices for No. 48:

Lionel Washington, Los Angeles Raiders

The most interesting story for No. 48:
Milt Smith, UCLA football left end (1939 to 1943) via Santa Ana High
Southern California map pinpoints:
Redlands, Santa Ana, Westwood

Milt Smith, a 6-foot-3, 190 pound end, far right, is included in photo prior to UCLA’s 1943 New Year’s Day Rose Bowl appearance against Georgia as part of the Bruins’ first string linemen. Also included, from left: Burr Baldwin, Charles Fears, Al Sparlis, Jack Lecoulie, Bill Armstrong and Jack Finlay.

Watch what happens here, and tell us if we’re taking up too much time.

You’ve heard of the 1939 UCLA undefeated football team full of soon-to-be legendary figures?

Milton Bradley “Snuffy” Smith wasn’t one of them.

His name, after all, was Smith.

When the Redlands-born kid from Santa Ana High joined the Bruins roster as a freshman, the offense was already generated by the talents of Jackie Robinson, Kenny Washington and Woody Strode. The Gold Dust Trio.

As Strode moved on after the season to start a film career and try some local semi-pro football, the sophomore Smith was named as his replacement at left end by coach Babe Horrell. But Smith’s season ended with a broken leg in the third quarter of a game in the next-to-last game against Washington — the team’ s only win that season. Smith was still selected second team on the Associated Press and All-Pacific Coast Conference teams.

In 1941, with Bob Waterfield coming in as the new UCLA quarterback, Smith was one of his favorite receivers. He ended up as an honorable mention for the All-PCC team.

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