Maryland Baseball Mourns Loss of Supporter Bob ‘Turtle’ Smith

Bob "Turtle" Smith ’63, a former Terp student-athlete and major supporter of the University of Maryland and its baseball program, died on Sunday at the age of 84.

Smith, who earned a degree in business and management, was a starter on and co-captain of the baseball team. His senior year, he was awarded the Berger Cup for outstanding contributions to Maryland Athletics, a testament to his leadership and competitive spirit.

He maintained that mindset throughout his life. Smith, a member of the Terrapin Club for over 50 years, was a passionate and generous supporter of Maryland Athletics, donating over $3 million. In 2007, he and his wife, Carol, established the first full Maryland baseball scholarship endowment, paving the way for future generations of student-athletes to succeed on the field and in the classroom. The Smiths have also supported facilities, operations and created multiple other endowed scholarships for the baseball program. In recognition of their commitment, the university rededicated the baseball stadium as Bob "Turtle" Smith Stadium in 2010.

"The impact that Bob "Turtle" Smith has had on this program is immeasurable," said Maryland Baseball’s head coach, Matt Swope. "He has been a consistent part of the Maryland community for many years, and I personally consider him a friend. He has been a great steward of this program, and we are all saddened by his passing. Though we will miss his presence in College Park, his enduring legacy will leave a profound and lasting mark on this program and the broader community."

In addition to Smith's athletic and philanthropic legacy, he built a highly successful business career. He served as a vice president at two Fortune 500 companies before founding Smith Properties, a commercial real estate development company based in Frederick, Md.

For a story published by Terrapin Times in 2008, Smith credited much of his success to the baseball scholarship that enabled him to attend and graduate from UMD.

“As a result, I am only too pleased to be able to give back to the university and the baseball team, he said. “My four-year college experience at the University of Maryland was one of the most rewarding periods of my life. There was academic learning, an expansion of social relationships and playing my favorite sport of baseball."

He also served on the University of Maryland College Park Foundation Board of Trustees and, alongside his wife, was honored with the Heise Award in 2020. The annual award recognizes the Terrapin Club member who best exemplifies Terrapin spirit and support of Maryland Athletics.

Smith is survived by his wife and two children, Sean and Robert, as well as three grandchildren.