Ozzie Smith
The Wizard of Oz: A defensive legend for the Padres and Cardinals.
Osborne Earl Smith (born December 26, 1954) is an American former professional baseball player. Nicknamed 'the Wizard of Oz', Smith played shortstop for the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals in Major League Baseball (MLB). Renowned for his acrobatic athletic ability, Smith is now widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players of all time, winning the National League (NL) Gold Glove Award for defensive play at shortstop for 13 consecutive seasons. He was also a 15-time All-Star, accumulated 2,460 hits and 580 stolen bases during his career, and won the National League Silver Slugger Award as the best hitter at shortstop in 1987.
- Role
- Shortstop
- Affiliation
- St. Louis Cardinals (Primary)
- Era
- 1980s - 1990s
- Hall of Fame
- Inducted 2002
- Gold Gloves
- 13 Career Awards
- Championships
- World Series Champion
Lore & Background
Smith was born in Mobile, Alabama; his family moved to Watts, Los Angeles, when he was six years old. He played baseball at Locke High School in Los Angeles, then at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Drafted by the Padres, he made his MLB debut in 1978. He won his first Gold Glove in 1980 and first All-Star appearance in 1981. After clashing with Padres' owners, Cardinals manager Whitey Herzog persuaded Smith to waive his no-trade clause, and he was traded to the Cardinals for Garry Templeton in 1982. He helped the Cardinals win the 1982 World Series. In 1985, his game-winning home run during Game 5 of the NLCS prompted Jack Buck's 'Go crazy, folks!' call. Despite a rotator cuff injury in 1985, Smith posted career highs in 1987. He earned Gold Gloves and All-Star appearances annually until 1993. After shoulder surgery in 1995 and tension with manager Tony La Russa in 1996, Smith retired. His uniform number (No. 1) was retired by the Cardinals. He hosted This Week in Baseball from 1997 to 1998. Smith was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002 and to the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2014.
In Their Own Story
The afternoon sun glinted off the ivy at Wrigley Field as Ozzie Smith crouched behind the plate, glove ready. A Cubs batter cracked the ball sharply toward the hole between short and third. In a blur of motion, Smith fielded it cleanly, his throw snapping to first base with laser precision. The crowd roared, not for the out, but for the sheer impossibility of the play that had just occurred.
Reader's Guide
Smith is best known for his defensive prowess, winning 13 consecutive Gold Gloves at shortstop. He was a 15-time All-Star and a key contributor to the Cardinals' 1982 World Series championship. His acrobatic backflips before games became a signature.
Did You Know?
- Smith learned to switch-hit from Cal Poly coach Berdy Harr.
- He set a single-season record for most assists by a shortstop (621) in 1980.
- Smith's game-winning home run in the 1985 NLCS prompted Jack Buck's famous call.
- He was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2002.
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