Imagine being a professional baseball player who grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, synonymous with the thunderous hooves and celebratory mint juleps of the Kentucky Derby. Baseball fans might expect Will Smith, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ catcher, to be a regular at the Derby. Now imagine that, for some reason, you ditch the Derby festivities every year. That’s the curious case of Smith.

The MLB catcher recently appeared on the popular baseball podcast, “Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander.” The conversation took an interesting turn when the topic shifted to the upcoming Kentucky Derby. As a Louisville native, one might expect Smith to be a huge fan of the race. However, his response surprised many – he revealed he actually skipped the Derby almost every year! This unexpected answer sparks curiosity. What could be the reason behind a Kentucky boy ditching the Derby? Let’s delve into the intriguing story behind the baseball star and his annual Derby exodus.

Derby days that got Will Smith dodging the crowds

Verlander directly inquires, “We’re about a week away from the Kentucky Derby. You grew up in Louisville. Was that a big thing for you and your family, or no?” Smith’s answer throws a surprising curveball: “For the city, it was, yeah, I didn’t go to too many Derbys growing up.”

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Intrigued by this unexpected response, Verlander presses on for more details. Smith then reveals a surprising truth: “I played college at Louisville, so the track was, you know, basically two blocks away from our stadium; we’d always leave town for that.” This statement sheds new light on the situation. Apparently, Derby weekend wasn’t a cherished tradition for the Smith family; it was an excuse for a getaway.

This revelation might leave some fans scratching their heads. The Kentucky Derby is a cultural touchstone in the state, a day steeped in tradition and extravagant celebrations. After all, the mint juleps, the fancy hats, the adrenaline, the whole atmosphere—it’s a quintessential part of Kentucky culture. So why the annual escape for Will Smith? Perhaps the logistical hurdles come into play.

The influx of tourists during Derby weekend can be overwhelming, making navigating the city and securing accommodations a challenge. Maybe for the Smiths, the desire for a peaceful escape outweighed the allure of the festivities. But perhaps there’s more to the story. Were there other factors at play besides logistics?

Another possibility is that the Derby’s exorbitant costs put a damper on the Smiths’ enthusiasm. Kentucky tickets can fetch a hefty price tag, especially for prime locations. Add to that the cost of Derby-appropriate attire, lavish meals, and transportation—and the price tag for a Derby experience can quickly become astronomical. This might explain why Will wouldn’t attend the Derby as a youngster. Perhaps for him, these costs simply weren’t feasible, making Derby Day a spectator sport from afar. But was there a sense of disconnect beyond affordability?

There’s also the possibility that the over-the-top pageantry of the Derby just wasn’t Smith’s cup of tea. The elaborate hats, the adrenaline-pumping races—the entire Derby spectacle might not have resonated with his personal preferences. Maybe he craved a more low-key way to celebrate the first Saturday in May.

One thing’s for sure: Smith’s annual Derby Day exodus piques our curiosity. This unconventional tradition raises a question—did his experiences playing college ball right next to Churchill Downs influence his Derby Day habits? Let’s delve into his college baseball experience and see if it sheds any light on his unique Derby tradition.

From college catches to Draft day dreams

Shifting gears, the conversation dives into Will Smith’s college baseball days at the University of Louisville. Interestingly, their stadium was practically right next door to Churchill Downs, the legendary home of the Derby. Even with such close proximity, Derby Day always meant packing their bags and heading out of town. One can only speculate on the specific reasons—maybe the exorbitant ticket prices, the overwhelming crowds, or simply a desire for a quieter celebration.

Verlander’s curiosity takes another turn, and the conversation steers towards another pivotal moment in Smith’s career: the MLB draft. Here, the catcher gets to recount his draft day experience, a momentous occasion for any aspiring baseball player: “We had a few guys go on the first day; my college teammates, um, basically the whole team was at our clubhouse.”

Surrounded by teammates, families, and a palpable sense of anticipation, Smith describes the electrifying atmosphere. As his fellow Louisville Cardinals, Cory Ray and Zack Burdi, got picked early, the tension mounted. Finally, Smith’s moment arrived—drafted by the Dodgers in the first round, pick 32; a dream come true.

The interview concludes with Smith reminiscing about the camaraderie and joy of draft day, a stark contrast to his annual Derby Day departures. This begs the question: why skip the Derby if you’re from the heart of Kentucky Derby country? While the exact reasons behind Will Smith’s Derby dodge remain unclear, the conversation offers a glimpse into the life of a baseball star who prioritizes different traditions.