Dodgers World Series hero Smith was summer ball standout for Newport Gulls

PROVDIENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A Los Angeles Dodgers 2025 World Series hero honed his clutch swing during a stint in the Ocean State.

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith, who hit the extra innings Game 7-clinching homerun against the Toronto Blue Jays, played college ball for the Newport Gulls in 2014.

The Gulls won the league championship that season in the New England Collegiate Baseball League.

Smith was selected by the Dodgers in the first round of the 2016 MLB draft.

“He worked extremely hard at getting better as a catcher and on his hitting skills,” said Chuck Paiva, President and General Manager of the Newport Gulls about Smith.

“He was a great teammate and had success in the playoffs for the Gulls in 2014 batting .429. As the summer progressed, Will played the game the right way, worked hard and he was fundamental in all areas of his approach.”

Dodgers utility player Tommy Edman also played for the 2014 Gulls after his freshman year in college.

“Tommy was a grinder, he played almost every game at shortstop, even when he was tired and sore,” said Paiva of Edman. 

“He was the best all around player on his 2014 team, fundamentally sound, could run, play defense, and could really hit.”