He played eight seasons in Major League Baseball, principally as a pitcher, for six different clubs.

In his eight seasons in the major leagues, Smith appeared as a pitcher in 140 games and compiled a 54–74 (.422) win–loss record with a 3.89 earned run average (ERA) and 519 strikeouts.

He saw his most extensive playing time with the Baltimore Orioles of the American Association, compiling a 41–50 win–loss record during the 1887 and 1888 seasons.

[1][2] Smith began his professional baseball career at age 18 playing for the Baltimore club in the National Association in 1883.

He compiled an 0–2 win–loss record and a 6.35 earned run average (ERA) in his first season in the major leagues.

[1] Smith spent most of the 1885 and 1886 seasons playing with the Newark Little Giants of the Eastern League.

The intentional misplays of his teammates caused club President Lynch to fine the guilty players $500 each‚ but he instead released Smith "to ensure team harmony.

"[5][6][7] Smith saw his most extensive playing time in the major leagues with the Baltimore Orioles during the 1887 and 1888 seasons.

He threw 54 complete games and pitched 4911⁄3 innings, compiling a record of 25–30 with a 3.79 ERA and 206 strikeouts.

[3] Smith played in the National League in 1890 for the Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Alleghenys.

[2] While working as a minor league player-manager, Smith has been credited with discovering Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, Christy Mathewson.

[2][8] He also coached the basketball team at Saint Anselm College in Goffstown, New Hampshire, for seven seasons between 1909 and 1932.