Larry (Coach) Smith pitched for Arizona State University under a full scholarship from Bobby Winkles, ASU's legendary Coach. Larry played for Coach Winkles four years, his best year being his junior year. Larry started, or relieved, in 26 games; he had an ERA of 2.85. 

After ASU, Larry played some minor and semi-pro ball, then got into Scouting and Coaching. Larry went on to a long career as a high school, college and minor league baseball coach. 

He coached at Arizona State University, Triton College (Chicago), Texas Wesleyan College, Indiana University, Duke University, Northwestern University and Scottsdale Community College. 

Larry coached in the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league system for the Welland Pirates and Erie Seawolves. 

In 1997, Larry retired from his coaching career at Scottsdale Community College where the team had a 315-256 record. Larry was named the Coach of the year in1997. In addition, Larry was named to the SCC Hall of Fame and the Arizona Hall of Fame for Coaches in 2010; he was also inducted into the Texas Wesleyan Hall of Fame in 2019.

From1998 to 2004, Larry worked to establish baseball in Austria with the Diving Ducks of Weiner Neustadt, Austria. The Diving Ducks are now a triple-year championship team (2021, 2023 and 2024). Crediting Larry's initial work, the Ducks honored him by sending a championship ring each of those years. In 2016, the Ducks retired Larry's #1 jersey. Earlier this year, the John L. Smith Foundation a 501.3(c) charity - was formed to promote baseball player exchanges between the United States and Austria. 

Please visit www.boysofsummer.tours for more information. Memorial gifts to the Foundation are welcome. Donation mailing address is c/o Rusty Jacobs, 6825 Kirk Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76116. 

His wife, Nancy Clayton, preceded him in death in August of 2024. 

Memorial services were held May 24, 2025 in Fort Worth.