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PHILADELPHIA >> Someday Cade Smith wants to come back.
Hes not quite sure when, but its definitely on his mind.
After all, its quite possible if not for the time he spent in Hawaii pitching for the Rainbows he might not have been pitching for the American League in the All-Star Game here Tuesday night The biggest thing I learned at college was learning how to learn, said Smith, whos saved a whopping 28 games this season for the Cleveland Guardians and was used in the sixth inning in the A.Ls 4-0 win.
For myself learning what I needed to do to learn and grow that way.
There was never specifically anything that someone said to me.
That was just a reflection of all my time there.
Its more so recognizing there needs to be individualization in your process to get you to the higher levels.
Not the same thing works for everybody.
The kid from Abbotsford, British Columbia, near Vancouver, wound up in Hawaii thanks to a hometown connection.
I didnt have too many colleges interested in me, said Smith, who was tabbed in the 16th round of the 2017 draft by the Minnesota Twins, before electing to head much further West.
There was actually a guy from my hometown whod gone to Hawaii the year before, pitcher Carter Loewen.
He got me in touch with the coach (Mike Trapasso), who got me out for a visit, so I got to see it myself.
You see the sunshine, the stadium and the beauty there.
Its not a hard sell.
Smith has no regrets about his time with the Rainbows, which was cut short when COVID-19 hit in 2020.
It was a constant process of learning, said Smith, who went unchosen that year when the draft was shortened to five rounds.
Never a disproportionate level of confidence that I was going to be in the big leagues.
But always an effort to maximize the potential I have, reach the highest point of competition and see where that took me.
It got him to Citizens Bank Park here Tuesday, taking the mound with a 3-0 lead.
After getting William Contreras to fly out, he fanned hometown favorite Bryce Harper and Corbin Carroll.
I wouldnt say it was nerves, said Smith, who knew beforehand hed work the sixth.
I think it was excitement.
There was good energy in the ballpark.
It was a great atmosphere and they definitely put on a show.
Besides that, Smith says it was particularly meaningful getting to mingle with his All-Star teammates and opponents.
How cool it is to talk to all these guys from around the American League, even some of the guys on the other side, smiled Smith.
I enjoyed that part.
There are a lot of guys whove been pitching a lot longer than I have so I learned for sure.
The climb has been constant since his time in Hawaii.
He signed as a free agent with Cleveland, scaling the minor league ladder before making his major league debut in 2024.
Smith first settled as a setup man before becoming the teams closer late last season after Clevelands Emmanuel Clase was put on indefinite leave for gambling allegations related to pitch rigging.
Smith now leads both leagues in saves to go with a 2.84 ERA.
Cade is the man, said Guardians rookie lefthander and fellow All-Star Parker Messick.
Hes always there to answer the call.
Its been super fun to watch his progression and how dominant hes been.
At the same time one thing Smiths learned is that theres more to life than this and hopes others pay attention.
Kids watching me pitch see how Im able to be calm and unshakable, because my identitys more than baseball, said Smith, whose wife and parents were in the stands cheering him on Tuesday.
Were playing a game.
Thats what it comes down to.
Id like to say Im still learning and hope it never stops.
This has been super exciting.
Its a whole new experience, so Im trying to keep my mind open, enjoy it and soak it in.
As it was when he first left Canada for the 50th state.
I havent been back since COVID when everything shut down, Smith said.
I enjoyed my time there and was thankful to come and pitch and at University of Hawaii and do hope to be back at some point.
Im just not sure when Ill be able to.
So for now Cade Smith will say Aloha.
Until someday they meet again.