30 Facts About Pavin Smith

Source: Burncitysports.com

Who is Pavin Smith? Pavin Smith, born February 6, 1996, in Jupiter, Florida, is a professional baseball player for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Known for his versatility as a first baseman and right fielder, Smith's journey began in high school and flourished at the University of Virginia. He was a standout player, even hitting a game-winning shot in the 2015 College World Series. Drafted seventh overall by the Diamondbacks in 2017, Smith quickly made his mark in the minor leagues before debuting in the majors in 2020. His career highlights include a multi-homer game and a grand slam, showcasing his growing potential.

Key Takeaways:

Pavin Smith's journey from high school to the MLB showcases his dedication and talent, with notable achievements in college and professional baseball, including a memorable multi-homer game and career-high RBIs.
Beyond his on-field success, Pavin Smith's personal life and contributions add depth to his story, from paying off his parents' mortgage to his standout performances in college and professional baseball.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Background

Pavin Smith's journey to professional baseball began in Jupiter, Florida. His early years were shaped by his family's sports background and his own dedication to the game.

Birth and Early Life: Born on February 6, 1996, in Jupiter, Florida, Pavin Smith was named after golfer Corey Pavin, whom his father, a sports agent, once represented.
High School Baseball: Smith attended Palm Beach Gardens Community High School in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He played as a first baseman and pitcher. The Colorado Rockies selected him in the 32nd round of the 2014 MLB draft, but he chose not to sign.

College Career at the University of Virginia

Smith's college years at the University of Virginia were marked by significant achievements and challenges that shaped his future in baseball.

College Baseball: Smith enrolled at the University of Virginia to play for the Virginia Cavaliers. Despite an ulnar collateral ligament injury in 2015, he contributed a game-winning hit in the second game of the 2015 College World Series against Vanderbilt.
College Achievements: In 2016, Smith hit eight home runs as a sophomore and was named a league all-star in the Cape Cod Baseball League. His junior year saw him bat .342 with 13 home runs and only 12 strikeouts.
First-Team All-ACC: Smith earned First-Team All-ACC honors at first base and was a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award in 2017.

Entry into Professional Baseball

Smith's transition from college to professional baseball was marked by his selection in the MLB draft and his early professional experiences.

MLB Draft Selection: The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Smith with the seventh overall pick in the 2017 MLB draft. He signed with a $5,016,300 signing bonus.
Professional Debut: Smith debuted professionally with the Hillsboro Hops of the Low-A Northwest League in 2017, posting a .318 batting average with 27 RBIs over 51 games.
Minor League Career: In 2018, Smith played with the Visalia Rawhide of the High-A California League, hitting .255 with 11 home runs. He also played in the Arizona Fall League after the season.

Major League Debut and Early Career

Smith's major league debut and early career with the Arizona Diamondbacks showcased his potential and growth as a player.

Major League Debut: On September 12, 2020, Smith made his MLB debut against the Seattle Mariners, recording his first hit off Yoshihisa Hirano.
First Major League Home Run: Smith hit his first MLB home run on September 25, 2020, off A. J. Ramos of the Colorado Rockies.
2021 Season: In 2021, Smith played in 145 games, hitting .267/.328/.404 with career-highs in home runs (11) and RBIs (49).
2022 Season: Smith made 75 appearances in 2022, hitting .220/.300/.367 with nine home runs and 33 RBIs. He started the 2023 season with the Triple-A Reno Aces but returned to the Diamondbacks on April 9, 2023.

Notable Achievements and Records

Smith's career has been marked by several notable achievements and records, highlighting his impact on the field.

Career Statistics: As of the 2023 season, Smith's MLB stats include a .240 batting average, 28 home runs, and 116 RBIs.
Multi-Homer Game: On September 9, 2024, Smith homered in his first three at-bats, driving in a career-high eight runs and leading the Diamondbacks to a 12-6 victory over the Houston Astros.
Three-Homer Game: This performance made Smith the second Arizona player to hit three homers in a game that season, joining Eugenio Suárez.
Arizona Record: Smith set a Diamondbacks record with seven RBIs in the first three innings of the game.
Grand Slam: Smith's third career grand slam came during a game against the Astros, contributing to a significant lead.

Personal Life and Legacy

Beyond his professional achievements, Smith's personal life and contributions off the field add depth to his story.

Personal Life: Smith is married to former University of Florida gymnast Amanda Cheney. In 2017, he paid off his parents' mortgage as a Christmas present.
College World Series: Smith had a game-winning hit in the 2015 College World Series and underwent Tommy John surgery after Virginia's victory.
Cape Cod Baseball League: Smith played for the Harwich Mariners in the Cape Cod Baseball League in 2016, earning league all-star honors.
Virginia Cavaliers Records: Smith holds several records at Virginia, including being tied for sixth in career home runs (28) and second in career RBIs (178).
NCAA Tournament Performance: Smith had more home runs (13) than strikeouts (12) during his time at Virginia, with a standout performance in an NCAA tournament game against Dallas Baptist.
ACC Tournament Performance: Smith had significant performances in the ACC tournament and the final games of the Georgia Tech series.
Senior Year Achievements: As a senior, Smith hit .395 with seven homers and 30 RBIs, striking out just seven times. He also excelled on the mound with a 5-0 record and a 0.66 ERA.

Future Prospects and Impact

Smith's ongoing career and future prospects continue to draw attention from fans and analysts alike.

Diamondbacks' Next Game: The Diamondbacks are set to face Texas right-hander Eoval at home, with Zac Gallen pitching for Arizona.
Suárez’s Contribution: Eugenio Suárez's performance has been crucial for the Diamondbacks, maintaining their lead in the National League Wild Card race.
Ginkel’s Save: Kevin Ginkel secured a victory for the Diamondbacks, snapping a three-game losing streak.
Astros’ Performance: Chas McCormick and Yainer Diaz have been standout players for the Astros, with McCormick hitting .409 over six games since being called up.
Astros’ Injuries: Astros infielder Mauricio Dubón missed games due to a jammed thumb but was able to take swings in the batting cage.
Legacy and Future: Pavin Smith continues to make a name for himself in baseball. His recent multi-homer game and career-high RBIs demonstrate his growth and potential as a professional player.

Pavin Smith's Impact on Baseball

Pavin Smith has carved out a notable career in baseball. From his early days in Jupiter, Florida, to his standout performances at the University of Virginia, Smith's journey is marked by perseverance and talent. His professional debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks showcased his potential, and he continues to impress with his batting skills and clutch performances. Notably, his multi-homer game and record-setting RBIs highlight his growth as a player. Off the field, Smith's generosity, like paying off his parents' mortgage, adds to his admirable character. As he continues to evolve in the MLB, fans eagerly watch his contributions to the Diamondbacks. Smith's blend of skill, determination, and personal integrity makes him a player to watch in the coming seasons. His story is a testament to hard work and dedication in the world of professional baseball.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat position does Pavin Smith play in baseball?

Pavin Smith shines as a first baseman and outfielder. His versatility on the field allows him to adapt and excel in multiple defensive positions, showcasing his athletic prowess.

QHow did Pavin Smith start his professional baseball career?

His journey to the majors began when the Arizona Diamondbacks selected him seventh overall in the 2017 MLB Draft. This pivotal moment marked the start of his professional career, setting the stage for his future accomplishments.

QHas Pavin Smith achieved any notable milestones in his career?

Indeed, Smith has made headlines for several achievements, including hitting his first major league home run, which was a momentous occasion for him and his fans. Each milestone he reaches adds to his growing legacy in the sport.

QWhat makes Pavin Smith stand out from other players?

Smith's exceptional eye at the plate and defensive versatility set him apart. His ability to consistently get on base and his adaptability in playing multiple positions make him a valuable asset to his team.

QCan you tell me about Pavin Smith's background before joining the MLB?

Before his MLB debut, Smith had an impressive collegiate career at the University of Virginia. There, he was known for his powerful hitting and solid defense, which caught the attention of scouts and led to his high draft selection.

QWhat's a fun fact about Pavin Smith?

A heartwarming story about Smith is how he used his signing bonus to pay off his parents' mortgage, a gesture that went viral and showcased his character off the field. This act of kindness endeared him to fans even more.

QHow can I follow Pavin Smith's career?

Fans can keep up with Smith's career by following him on social media or checking out the Arizona Diamondbacks' official website for game updates, stats, and more. His journey in the MLB continues to evolve, and there's always something new to discover about his performances.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.