Cecil Smith

Born on a ranch near Llano, Texas, Cecil Smith learned to ride at the age of three, and was endowed with unquestionable talents as a horseman and polo player. With determination and fortitude he developed his abilities to perfection. Over the years, he played on more fields with more players than perhaps any one else in polo. He was a truly inspirational leader of the game.

He won the Monty Waterbury Cup first in 1930, won the U.S. Open five times and represented America versus Mexico on three occasions. In the famous East West series of 1933, he led the West team to victory. In the third and deciding game, Smith scored six goals as the West won, 12-6. Tommy Hitchcock of the East, polo’s most renowned player, was held scoreless. Smith later said, ”I never enjoyed a series any more than I did that one.” He carried a 10-goal rating from 1938 to 1962, was an all-time great player, and his National and International tournament record speaks for itself.

Cecil Smith on Badger