Schmidt entered the majors in 1944 with the St. Louis Cardinals, playing for them one year before joining military service during World War II.

[1] In his rookie season, Schmidt went 7–3 with a 3.15 earned run average, two shutouts, and five saves to help his team to clinch the National League pennant.

He divided his playing time with the Cardinals, Phillies and Cubs in 1947, his last major league season.

In a three-season career, Schmidt posted a 13–11 record with 98 strikeouts and a 3.75 ERA in 85 appearances, including 15 starts, three complete games, two shutouts, five saves, and 225.1 innings.

At the time of his death, Schmidt (96) was recognized as the fourth oldest living major league ballplayer.