Smith, the son of long-time major-league executive Tal Smith, was known for his blockbuster trading style as GM of the Padres and Tigers. Hired by San Diego in 1993 at the age of 29, he became the youngest GM in major-league history.
In December 1994 Smith pulled the trigger on a twelve-player deal that brought Ken Caminiti to San Diego. It was the largest trade since the Tigers and Athletics swapped 13 players in November 1957.
