As a youth in Frederick County, Ken Smith played soccer, basketball, and baseball, but had baseball in his blood. Starting in the Woodsboro

Little League, Smith earned honors throughout his youth and high school careers. With a full baseball scholarship to West Virginia University, Smith had a 10–0 record his junior year to earn All-Atlantic 10 Honors and won the Outstanding Pitcher Award during the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament, as well as All East Honors and the MVP award. In 1987, he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. He earned Pitcher of the Week three times and was listed in USA Today as one of the top five pitching leaders in the organization. Today, Smith is active in youth baseball in the Thurmont area and is an excellent coach for youth wanting to play the game he loves.