Bob cracked the Giants' starting lineup as a rookie at the start of the 1958 season, starting 107 games behind the plate and making the all-star team. The following season, he alternated with journeyman Hobie Landrith, making 56 starts to Hobie's 88. This arrangement continued in 1960, although Schmidt had the upper hand, starting 98 games.
In late April 1961, Schmidt and 2nd baseman Don Blasingame were traded to the Reds for catcher Ed Bailey. Bob occupied the 3rd-string slot behind rookies Jerry Zimmerman and Johnny Edwards, then was traded to the Senators in the off-season.
Schmidt's playing time increased in Washington, as he shared the job with Ken Retzer in 1962. The following season, the team acquired veteran Don Leppert from Pittsburgh, and Bob's old friend Hobie Landrith from the Orioles. This limited Bob to 9 appearances, and on May 8th he was sold to the Yankees.
Schmidt spend the rest of 1963 and all of 1964-66 playing for the Yankees' AAA teams, except for 20 games with the Yankees during the first 2 months of 1965.
After missing the 1964 Topps set, his final card was issued in the 1965 set.
