“One of MLB’s most dominant relievers this season started each game the same as he did as when he was in middle school.

It was a part of Cade Smith’s routine prior to signing with the Cleveland Guardians, before he had a 2024 rookie season where he shut down the opposing team consistently with a 1.91 ERA.

On car rides to the field with his dad, Tim Smith, as a youngster, and after, when Smith started driving himself, before he left their home in British Columbia. And now, separated by a border, it comes through text.

Sometimes, he plays coach dad, the older Smith said, with a “Pitch like you can,” to his son, but always, it’s “Honour God with your effort, attitude and ability.”

No matter what stadium Smith is warming up at that afternoon or evening, every outing before he takes the field, he reads that text from his dad.”