1. Overview
Osborne Earl Smith, widely known as "The Wizard of Oz," is an American former professional baseball player renowned for his exceptional defensive skills at shortstop. Born on December 26, 1954, Smith played for the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1978 to 1996. His career was marked by an unprecedented 13 consecutive Gold Glove Awards for defensive play at shortstop, a testament to his wide range, quick reflexes, and innovative plays.
Beyond his defensive prowess, Smith was a 15-time All-Star and developed into a more complete player, accumulating 2,460 hits and 580 stolen bases. In 1987, he earned the Silver Slugger Award as the best offensive shortstop in the National League. His charismatic presence on the field, often highlighted by his signature pre-game backflips, captivated fans and significantly influenced the perception of the shortstop position. Smith's dramatic, game-winning home run in Game 5 of the 1985 National League Championship Series remains one of the most iconic moments in Busch Stadium history.
Following his retirement in 1996, with his uniform number 1 retired by the Cardinals, Smith was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002, receiving 91.7% of the votes in his first year of eligibility. He has continued to be involved in baseball through broadcasting and as a special instructor for the Cardinals, while also engaging in various business ventures and extensive community service, including receiving the Roberto Clemente Award in 1995.
2. Early Life
Ozzie Smith's formative years were shaped by his family's move from Mobile, Alabama, to Watts, Los Angeles, and his early experiences with sports and community.
2.1. Early Life and Education
Smith was born in Mobile, Alabama, on December 26, 1954, as the second of six children to Clovi and Marvella Smith. His father worked as a sandblaster at Brookley Air Force Base. When Smith was six years old, his family relocated to the Watts section of Los Angeles, California. In Watts, his father became a delivery truck driver for Safeway stores, while his mother worked as an aide at a nursing home. Smith's mother played an influential role in his life, emphasizing the importance of education and encouraging him to pursue his aspirations. At the age of 10, in 1965, he and his family experienced the Watts Riots, recalling the necessity to sleep on the floor due to the pervasive sniping and looting. During his junior high school years, Smith's parents divorced.
2.2. Youth Baseball and College
From a young age, Smith participated in a variety of sports, with baseball being his favorite. He developed his exceptional quick reflexes through various athletic and leisure activities, such as repeatedly bouncing a ball off the concrete steps of his house and moving closer with each throw to reduce reaction time. When not at the local YMCA or playing sports, Smith would sometimes visit a neighborhood lumberyard with friends, where they would springboard off inner tubes and perform flips into sawdust piles, a playful precursor to his famous backflips.
Smith continued to pursue his interest in baseball, often riding the bus for nearly an hour to reach Dodger Stadium, where he would cheer for the Los Angeles Dodgers at approximately 25 games each year. Upon enrolling at Locke High School in Los Angeles, Smith played on both the basketball and baseball teams. He was a teammate of future National Basketball Association player Marques Johnson on the basketball team, and future Hall of Fame player Eddie Murray on the baseball team. After high school, Smith attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1974 on a partial academic scholarship. He successfully walked onto the baseball team and learned to switch-hit under the guidance of Cal Poly coach Berdy Harr. When Cal Poly's starting shortstop suffered a broken leg midway through the 1974 season, Smith assumed the starting role. He was recognized as an All-American athlete and set school records for career at-bats (754) and stolen bases (110) before graduating in 1977.
2.3. Draft and Signing
Smith was playing semi-professional baseball in Clarinda, Iowa, when he was first selected in the seventh round of the amateur entry draft by the Detroit Tigers in June 1976. However, the parties could not agree on a contract; Smith sought a 10.00 K USD signing bonus, while the Tigers offered 8.50 K USD. Consequently, Smith returned to Cal Poly for his senior year.
In the 1977 draft, he was selected in the fourth round by the San Diego Padres. Smith ultimately agreed to a contract that included a 5.00 K USD signing bonus. His desire to play for a team in his home state of California, where he had grown up, influenced his decision to accept the Padres' offer. Smith spent his first year of professional baseball in 1977 with the Class A Walla Walla Padres in the Northwest League.
3. Professional Baseball Career
Ozzie Smith's professional baseball career spanned nearly two decades, marked by his unparalleled defensive excellence and a gradual development of his offensive game, leading to a legendary status in the sport.
3.1. San Diego Padres (1978-1981)
Smith's early years in Major League Baseball with the San Diego Padres quickly established his reputation as a defensive standout, though his offensive struggles and contract disputes ultimately led to his departure.
3.1.1. Major League Debut and Early Years
Smith began 1978 as a non-roster invitee to the San Diego Padres' spring training camp in Yuma, Arizona. He credited Padres manager Alvin Dark for instilling confidence in him by publicly stating that the shortstop position was Smith's to lose. Despite Dark's mid-camp firing, Smith made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut on April 7, 1978.
It did not take long for Smith to gain recognition in the major leagues. Just 10 games into his rookie season, on April 20, 1978, against the Atlanta Braves, he made what many consider his greatest fielding play. With two outs in the top of the fourth inning, Atlanta's Jeff Burroughs hit a ground ball up the middle. Smith described the play: "He hit a ball back up the middle that everybody thought was going into center field. I instinctively broke to my left and dove behind second. As I was in the air, the ball took a bad hop and caromed behind me, but I was able to catch it with my bare hand. I hit the ground, bounced back up, and threw Burroughs out at first."
During a road trip to Houston later in the 1978 season, Smith met Denise, a part-time usherette at the Astrodome, leading to a long-distance relationship and eventual marriage. It was also during the 1978 season that Smith introduced his signature backflip. Padres promotion director Andy Strasberg, aware of Smith's ability to perform backflips during practice, asked him to do one for fans on Fan Appreciation Day, October 1, the Padres' final home game of the season. After consulting with veteran teammate Gene Tenace, Smith performed the backflip, which proved immensely popular. Smith concluded the 1978 season with a .258 batting average and a .970 fielding percentage, finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting to Bob Horner.
After working with a hitting instructor during the offseason, Smith struggled offensively at the start of the 1979 season, failing to record a base hit in his first 32 at-bats. Among players with enough at-bats to qualify for the 1979 National League Triple Crown, Smith finished last in batting average (.211), home runs (0), and RBI (27).
3.1.2. Defensive Acclaim and "The Wizard of Oz"
Despite his offensive struggles, Smith quickly earned widespread recognition for his exceptional fielding. In 1980, he set a single-season record for most assists by a shortstop with 621, a record that remains unbroken. His range factor of 5.75 that year was significantly higher than the average shortstop's 4.30, demonstrating his unparalleled defensive reach. This year also marked the beginning of his remarkable streak of 13 consecutive Gold Glove Awards.
Smith's incredible fielding prompted the Yuma Daily Sun to coin the nickname "the Wizard of Oz" in a March 1981 feature article about him. This nickname, a clear allusion to The Wizard of Oz film, became synonymous with Smith, who was also simply known as "the Wizard" throughout his career. His Baseball Hall of Fame plaque would later attest to this moniker. In 1981, Smith made his first All-Star Game appearance as a reserve player. His signature backflip, first performed for fans in 1978, became a ritual before Opening Days, All-Star Games, and postseason games, further cementing his showmanship and connection with the fans.
3.1.3. Contract Disputes and Trade
While Smith was experiencing difficulties with the Padres' ownership, the St. Louis Cardinals were also facing issues with their shortstop, Garry Templeton. Templeton's relationship with Cardinals fans had become increasingly strained, culminating in an incident at Busch Stadium on August 26, 1981. After being heckled for not running out a ground ball, Templeton made obscene gestures at fans and had to be physically removed from the field by manager Whitey Herzog.
Tasked by owner Gussie Busch with overhauling the Cardinals and specifically trading Templeton, Herzog sought a deal. At the 1981 baseball winter meetings, Padres General Manager Jack McKeon approached Herzog. Although McKeon had previously stated that Smith was untouchable in any trade, the Padres were now so frustrated with Smith's agent, Ed Gottlieb, that McKeon was willing to negotiate. McKeon and Herzog agreed in principle to a six-player trade, with Smith and Templeton as the central figures.
However, Padres manager Dick Williams then informed Herzog that a no-trade clause had been included in Smith's 1981 contract. Smith's initial reaction was to invoke the clause and remain in San Diego, but he was open to hearing the Cardinals' offer. While the trade for the other players proceeded, Herzog flew to San Diego to meet with Smith and Gottlieb over the Christmas holiday. Smith later recalled, "Whitey told me that with me playing shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals, we could win the pennant. He made me feel wanted, which was a feeling I was quickly losing from the Padres. The mere fact that Whitey would come all the way out there to talk to us was more than enough to convince me that St. Louis was the place I wanted to be." This personal appeal from Herzog ultimately convinced Smith to waive his no-trade clause.
3.2. St. Louis Cardinals (1982-1996)
Smith's tenure with the St. Louis Cardinals marked the pinnacle of his career, during which he achieved team success, individual accolades, and solidified his legacy as one of baseball's all-time greats.
3.2.1. World Series Championship (1982)
On December 10, 1981, the Padres traded Smith, Steve Mura, and a player to be named later to the Cardinals for Templeton, Sixto Lezcano, and a player to be named later. The trade was completed on February 19, 1982, with the Padres sending Al Olmsted to the Cardinals, and St. Louis sending Luis DeLeon to the Padres.
Upon joining the Cardinals, Herzog believed Smith could improve his offensive production by hitting more ground balls. He devised a motivational tool, telling Smith, "Every time you hit a fly ball, you owe me a buck. Every time you hit a ground ball, I owe you a buck. We'll keep that going all year." Smith agreed to the wager and, by the end of the season, had won close to 300 USD from Herzog.
As the 1982 season commenced, Herzog's newly assembled team, known for its speed and aggressive base running (dubbed "Whiteyball"), won 12 consecutive games in April and finished the season atop the National League East division. Herzog later emphasized Smith's defensive contributions, stating, "If he saved two runs a game on defense, which he did many a night, it seemed to me that was just as valuable to the team as a player who drove in two runs a game on offense."
During the 1982 season, Smith became a father with the birth of his son O.J., now known as Nikko, on April 28. Smith also forged a lasting friendship with teammate Willie McGee, and Smith felt he "helped Willie get over some of the rough spots of adjusting to the major leagues." Smith participated in the postseason for the first time when the Cardinals faced the Atlanta Braves in the best-of-five 1982 National League Championship Series (NLCS). In Game 1, Smith drove in the series' first run with a sacrifice fly that scored McGee, ultimately going five for nine in St. Louis' three-game series sweep.
As Herzog had predicted, Smith was the team's starting shortstop in the best-of-seven 1982 World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Throughout the series, Smith scored three runs, had five hits, and committed no errors defensively. In Game 7, with St. Louis trailing 3-1 with one out in the sixth inning, Smith ignited a rally with a base hit to left field, eventually scoring the first of the team's three runs that inning. The Cardinals secured two more runs in the 8th inning, winning 6-3 and claiming their ninth World Series championship, their first in 15 years.
3.2.2. Key Achievements and Awards (1980s)
In January 1983, Smith and the Cardinals agreed on a new contract that paid Smith 1.00 M USD per year. During the 1983 season, Smith was voted the National League's starting shortstop in the All-Star Game for the first time and won his fourth consecutive Gold Glove Award at season's end. In July 1984, Smith's wrist was broken by a pitch while batting against the Padres. He returned from the disabled list after a month, but his return was not enough to propel the Cardinals to a postseason berth.
In 1985, Smith posted a .276 batting average, stole 31 bases, and recorded 591 assists in the field. The Cardinals, as a team, won 101 games and earned another postseason berth. Facing the Los Angeles Dodgers in the now best-of-seven NLCS, the series was tied at two games apiece heading into Game 5 at Busch Stadium. With the score tied at two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda brought in closer Tom Niedenfuer. Smith, batting left-handed with one out, hit a walk-off home run down the right-field line, securing a 3-2 Cardinals victory in Game 5. This was remarkably Smith's first home run in 2,967 left-handed major league at-bats. Smith commented, "I was trying to get an extra-base hit and get into scoring position. Fortunately, I was able to get the ball up." The home run not only prompted broadcaster Jack Buck's iconic "Go crazy, folks!" play-by-play call but was also later voted the greatest moment in Busch Stadium history by Cardinals fans. This dramatic moment is considered one of the most memorable in Cardinals franchise history.
After Smith's teammate Jack Clark hit a late-inning home run in Game 6 to defeat the Dodgers, the Cardinals advanced to face the Kansas City Royals in the 1985 World Series. Sportswriters continued to highlight Smith's outstanding defensive play, despite his 2-for-23 performance at the plate. The Cardinals took a three-games-to-two lead, but a controversial call by umpire Don Denkinger in Game 6 overshadowed the remainder of the Series, which the Royals ultimately won in seven games.
Unbeknownst to the public during the 1985 regular season and playoffs, Smith had torn his rotator cuff after suffering an impingement in his right shoulder in July. The injury occurred while diving back into first base on a pickoff throw, leading him to alter his throwing motion, which subsequently caused the rotator cuff tear. The 5.8 ft (1.78 m), 181 lb (82 kg) Smith opted against surgery, instead building arm strength through weightlifting and playing through the pain. He stated, "I didn't tell anybody about the injury, because I wanted to keep playing and didn't want anybody thinking they could run on me or take advantage of the injury. I tried to do almost everything, except throw a baseball, left-handed: opening a door, turning on the radio-everything. It didn't get any better, but it was good enough that I didn't have to have surgery."
Due to his injury, Smith allowed his then four-year-old son Nikko to perform his traditional Opening Day backflip before the Cardinals' first home game of the 1986 season. Smith made another "eye-popping" play later that season on August 4, during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Busch Stadium. In the top of the ninth inning, Phillies pinch-hitter Von Hayes hit a short fly ball to left field. Both Smith and left fielder Curt Ford pursued the ball. Running with his back to home plate, Smith dove forward, simultaneously catching the ball while parallel to the ground and flying over the diving Ford, narrowly avoiding a collision.
After hitting in either the second or eighth spot in the batting order for most of his time in St. Louis, Herzog made Smith the number-two hitter full-time during the 1987 season. That year, Smith achieved a career-best .303 batting average, along with 43 stolen bases, 75 RBIs, 104 runs scored, and 40 doubles, earning him the Silver Slugger Award at shortstop. In addition to winning his eighth consecutive Gold Glove Award at shortstop, Smith posted a career-high on-base percentage of .392. He was also the leading vote-getter in the 1987 All-Star Game. The Cardinals secured a postseason berth with 95 wins and subsequently faced the San Francisco Giants in the 1987 National League Championship Series. Smith contributed a triple during the series, and the Cardinals won in seven games.
The 1987 World Series pitted the Cardinals against the American League champion Minnesota Twins. The home team won every game of the contest, with Minnesota ultimately winning the series. In 28 at-bats during the Series, Smith scored three runs and had two RBIs. Smith finished second in MVP balloting to Andre Dawson, who played for the last-place Chicago Cubs. This outcome was largely due to Smith and teammate Jack Clark splitting the first-place votes. Following the 1987 season, Smith was awarded the largest contract in the National League at 2.34 M USD.
Although the team did not reach the postseason for the remainder of the decade, Smith continued to earn All-Star appearances and Gold Gloves. Coupled with the attention from his lucrative contract, Smith maintained his status as a national figure. Known for his keen sense of style, he appeared on the April 1988 cover of GQ magazine. Smith witnessed significant changes within the Cardinals organization with the death of owner Gussie Busch in 1989 and Herzog's resignation as manager during the 1990 season. In 1989, he was also honored with the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award.
3.2.3. Defensive Records and Gold Gloves
Ozzie Smith's defensive achievements are among the most impressive in baseball history. He holds the MLB record for most assists by a shortstop in a single season, with 621 in 1980. His career total of 8,375 assists is also an all-time MLB record. Furthermore, his 1,590 career double plays were the most by a shortstop until Omar Vizquel surpassed the mark in 2007.
Smith's most iconic defensive accomplishment is his streak of 13 consecutive Gold Glove Awards at shortstop, from 1980 to 1992, which remains an unmatched record for the position in the National League. This consistent excellence earned him a spot on the All-Time Gold Glove Team in 2007, recognizing him as one of the greatest defensive players in baseball history. His fielding was so exceptional that it was often said, "Smith rarely hits a run with his bat, but he certainly prevents two runs with his glove." In 1991, he committed only 8 errors in 151 games, an extraordinarily low number for a shortstop given the high volume of defensive opportunities at the position.
3.2.4. Later Career and Retirement
Joe Torre became Smith's new manager in 1990, but the team did not reach the postseason during Torre's nearly five-year tenure. While the Cardinals celebrated their 100th anniversary in 1992, Smith achieved personal milestones, stealing his 500th career base on April 26 and notching a triple on May 26 in front of the home crowd for his 2,000th hit. Despite a one-game lead in the National League East division on June 1, 1992, injuries plagued the team, including Smith's two-week illness in late July after contracting chicken pox for the first time. As a testament to his national visibility during this time, Smith appeared in a 1992 episode of The Simpsons titled "Homer at the Bat". Smith became a free agent for the first time in his career on November 2, 1992, only to re-sign with the Cardinals on December 6.
Smith won his final Gold Glove in 1992, completing his record-setting streak of 13 consecutive Gold Gloves at shortstop in the National League. The 1993 season marked the only time between 1981 and 1996 where Smith failed to make the All-Star team. He finished the 1993 season with a .288 batting average and a .974 fielding percentage. He appeared in 98 games during the strike-shortened 1994 season. In 1995, he missed nearly three months of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery on May 31, resulting in a career-low .199 batting average. Despite these challenges, Smith was recognized for his community service efforts, receiving the Branch Rickey Award in 1994 and the Roberto Clemente Award in 1995. In February 1994, Smith also took on the role of honorary chairman and official spokesman for the Missouri Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Health.
As Smith entered the 1996 season, he finalized a divorce from his wife Denise during the first half of the year. Meanwhile, manager Tony La Russa began his first season with the Cardinals alongside a new ownership group. After General Manager Walt Jocketty acquired shortstop Royce Clayton during the offseason, La Russa emphasized an open competition for the starting shortstop spot, aiming for the best chance to win. When spring training concluded, Smith had amassed a .288 batting average and zero errors in the field, while Clayton batted .190 with eight errors. Smith believed his spring training performance had earned him the position, but La Russa disagreed, awarding Clayton the majority of playing time in a platoon system, where Smith typically saw action every third game. La Russa explained, "I think it's fair to say he misunderstood how he compared to Royce in spring training... When I and the coaches evaluated the play in spring training-the whole game-Royce started very slowly offensively and you could see him start to get better. By what he was able to do defensively and on the bases, Royce deserved to play the majority of the games."
Smith missed the first month of the season with a hamstring injury and continued to harbor ill feelings toward La Russa that had developed after spring training. In a closed-door meeting in mid-May, La Russa asked Smith if he would like to be traded. Instead, Smith and his agent negotiated a compromise with Cardinals management, agreeing to a buyout of special provisions in his contract in conjunction with Smith announcing his retirement. This agreement led to a press conference at Busch Stadium on June 19, 1996, during which Smith announced he would retire from baseball at season's end.
As Smith embarked on his final tour of the National League, he was honored by many teams and received a standing ovation at the 1996 All-Star Game in Philadelphia, where he was selected by fan vote for the 12th time. Between June 19 and September 1, Smith's batting average impressively increased from .239 to .286. On September 2, Smith tied a career high by scoring four runs, one of which was a home run, and another on a close play at home plate in the bottom of the 10th inning against division leader Houston. This victory moved the Cardinals to within a half-game of Houston in the National League Central Division, and the Cardinals went on to win the division by six games. The Cardinals held a special ceremony at Busch Stadium on September 28, 1996, before a game against the Cincinnati Reds, honoring Smith by retiring his uniform number 1. Known for his ritual backflip before Opening Days, All-Star Games, and postseason games, Smith chose this occasion to perform it for one of the last times.
In the postseason, the Cardinals first faced the San Diego Padres in the 1996 National League Division Series. After sitting out Game 1, Smith started Game 2 at Busch Stadium, helping his team take a two-game lead in the series by notching a run, a hit, and two walks at the plate, along with an assist and a putout in the field. The Cardinals then swept the series by winning Game 3 in San Diego.
The Cardinals then faced the Atlanta Braves in the 1996 National League Championship Series. Smith started Game 1 and registered three putouts and one assist in the field, but went hitless in four at-bats in the Cardinals' 4-2 loss. The Cardinals then won Games 2, 3, and 4, contests in which Smith did not appear. Upon receiving the start in Game 5, Smith nearly duplicated his Game 1 defensive performance with four putouts and one assist, but had no hits in four at-bats as part of another Cardinals defeat. The Cardinals ultimately failed to win Game 6 or Game 7 in Atlanta, ending their season. When the Cardinals were trailing by 10 runs during Game 7 on October 17, Smith flied out to right field while pinch-hitting in the sixth inning, marking the official end of his playing career.
Smith concluded his career with several unique distinctions, including accumulating more than 27.5 million votes in All-Star balloting, an NL record, and holding the record for the most MLB at-bats without hitting a grand slam.
4. Playing Style and Skills
Ozzie Smith's impact on baseball stemmed from a distinctive playing style that blended unparalleled defensive artistry with a developing offensive game and captivating showmanship.
4.1. Exceptional Defensive Abilities
Ozzie Smith's defensive skills were legendary, earning him the moniker "The Wizard of Oz." His range at shortstop was extraordinary, allowing him to cover vast areas of the infield that few others could reach. This was complemented by his quick reflexes, enabling him to react to batted balls with astonishing speed. He was known for making innovative and seemingly impossible plays, such as diving catches while parallel to the ground and executing jumping throws from deep in the hole, often without a bounce.
His defensive excellence is underscored by numerous statistics and records. In 1980, he set an MLB single-season record for shortstops with 621 assists. His career total of 8,375 assists remains the all-time MLB record for the position. He also recorded 1,590 career double plays, a record that stood until 2007. The most prominent testament to his fielding prowess is his record-setting streak of 13 consecutive Gold Glove Awards at shortstop, from 1980 to 1992, an unparalleled achievement in the National League. His manager, Whitey Herzog, famously stated that Smith "saved two runs a game on defense," highlighting his immense value to the team. Smith's ability to turn potential hits into outs was so consistent that it was often remarked, "If he misses a ball, you assume it's uncatchable. If any other shortstop misses a ball, your first thought is, 'Would Ozzie have had it?'"
4.2. Offensive Development and Base Stealing
While initially known primarily for his defense, Smith diligently worked to improve his offensive game throughout his career. He started as a weak hitter, batting .258 in his rookie year and a career-low .211 in 1979. However, under the guidance of manager Whitey Herzog, who encouraged him to hit more ground balls, Smith's batting average gradually improved. He achieved his career-best batting average of .303 in 1987, alongside career highs in hits (182), doubles (40), runs scored (104), and RBI (75). This offensive surge earned him the Silver Slugger Award in 1987, definitively changing his perception from a "defense-only" player to a more complete offensive threat.
As a switch hitter, Smith's most famous offensive moment came in Game 5 of the 1985 NLCS, when he hit his first and only left-handed home run in 3,009 at-bats, a dramatic walk-off blast that secured a crucial victory for the Cardinals. Smith was also a master of the sacrifice bunt and possessed excellent hit-and-run abilities. His base-stealing prowess was another significant offensive weapon; he recorded 580 career stolen bases and averaged 36 stolen bases per season from 1983 to 1993, often given the "green light" to run by his managers. In 1992, he reached significant milestones by surpassing 2,000 career hits and 500 career stolen bases. Despite his offensive growth, he remained a player with very few strikeouts, demonstrating excellent bat control.
4.3. "The Wizard of Oz" Persona and Showmanship
Ozzie Smith's unique nickname, "The Wizard of Oz," was inspired by his seemingly magical defensive plays and became a central part of his public persona. Beyond his incredible fielding, Smith was renowned for his showmanship and flair on the field. His signature pre-game backflips, first performed for fans in 1978 and later a ritual before Opening Days, All-Star Games, and postseason games, became a beloved tradition that captivated audiences.
This blend of defensive artistry and engaging showmanship made Smith one of baseball's most popular figures. He was selected to the All-Star Game 15 times, with 11 of those appearances coming via fan vote, a testament to his immense popularity. His presence significantly boosted attendance for the St. Louis Cardinals, as fans flocked to witness his defensive wizardry and charismatic performances. Smith's influence extended beyond his individual play; he redefined the shortstop position, demonstrating that exceptional defense and engaging personality could make a player a superstar, even without elite offensive power. His style made the game more exciting and accessible, contributing to its broader popularity.
5. Post-Playing Career
After retiring from professional baseball, Ozzie Smith remained active in various fields, including media, business, and community service, maintaining his connection to the sport and the city of St. Louis.
5.1. Broadcasting and Media Appearances
Upon his retirement from playing, Smith transitioned into a career in broadcasting. In 1997, he took over from Mel Allen as the host of the nationally syndicated television series This Week in Baseball (TWIB), a role he held until 1998. From 1997 to 1999, Smith also served as a color commentator for local broadcasts of Cardinals games on KPLR-TV. After his stint with This Week in Baseball concluded, Smith began working for CNN-SI in 1999. In recent years, he has continued his media involvement as the host of Cardinals Insider, a weekly news magazine television show about the club produced by MLB.com.
5.2. Business Ventures and Entrepreneurship
Smith has also ventured into various business enterprises since his retirement. In 1988, he opened "Ozzie's" restaurant and sports bar, though this establishment eventually closed in 2010 after changing ownership and locations. In 1990, he launched a youth sports academy, "Ozzie Smith's Sports Academy," which remains in operation, providing training in baseball and other sports. He became an investor in a grocery store chain in 1999 and partnered with David Slay to open another restaurant in the early 2000s. Beyond these, Smith has appeared in numerous radio and television commercials in the St. Louis area. In 2006, he authored a children's book titled Hello Fredbird!, and in 2008, he launched his own brand of salad dressing. More recently, since 2016, Smith has opened five regenerative medicine clinics across Missouri.
5.3. Community Service and Philanthropy
Ozzie Smith has been widely recognized for his significant contributions to community service and philanthropy. His dedication was honored with the Branch Rickey Award in 1994, an award that recognizes individuals in baseball for their exceptional humanitarian efforts. In 1995, he received the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, which is given annually to an MLB player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement, and the individual's contribution to his team. In February 1994, Smith also accepted the role of honorary chairman and official spokesman for the Missouri Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Health, further demonstrating his commitment to public welfare.
5.4. Continued Baseball Involvement
Smith has maintained a strong connection to baseball even after his playing days. After Tony La Russa retired as manager of the Cardinals in 2011, Smith became more active in the organization again, beginning with a stint as a special instructor for the team's 2012 spring training camp. In March 2023, Smith returned to his alma mater, Cal Poly, where a statue in his likeness at Robin Baggett Stadium was rededicated as part of the newly established Ozzie Smith Plaza at the facility's entrance. This ongoing involvement underscores his enduring passion for the sport and his desire to contribute to its future.
6. Honors and Legacy
Ozzie Smith's career was marked by numerous honors and awards, cementing his status as one of baseball's most influential and beloved figures, particularly for his revolutionary defensive play.
6.1. National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction
On January 8, 2002, Ozzie Smith received a phone call informing him of his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame on his first ballot, receiving an overwhelming 91.7% of the votes cast. This made him the only player inducted in that year's class. Coincidentally, the Olympic torch was passing through St. Louis on its way to Salt Lake City for the 2002 Winter Olympics at the time, and Smith served as a torchbearer in a ceremony alongside St. Louis Rams' quarterback Kurt Warner that evening.
Smith was formally inducted into the Hall of Fame during ceremonies on July 28, 2002. During his induction speech, he drew parallels between his baseball experiences and the characters from the novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, a nod to his famous nickname. Following his speech, his son Dustin presented his Hall of Fame plaque. Smith's speech included a poignant message: 글러브는 나에게 많은 것을 줬지만 가장 중요한 것은 마음입니다. 모든 어린이들이 꿈을 키우길 바랍니다. 꿈은 반드시 이루어집니다.The glove gave me a lot, but the most important thing is heart. I hope all children will grow their dreams. Dreams will surely come true.Korean
6.2. Retired Number and Stadium Honors
The St. Louis Cardinals bestowed a significant honor upon Ozzie Smith by retiring his uniform number 1. This special ceremony took place at Busch Memorial Stadium on September 28, 1996, shortly before the end of his final season, recognizing his profound impact on the franchise.
Days after his Hall of Fame induction, on August 11, 2002, Smith was back at Busch Memorial Stadium for the unveiling of a statue in his likeness, created by sculptor Harry Weber. Weber chose to emphasize Smith's extraordinary defensive skills by depicting him stretched horizontally to the ground while fielding a baseball. At the ceremony, Weber remarked to Smith, "You spent half of your career up in the air. That makes it difficult for a sculptor to do something with it." In March 2023, a statue of Smith at Robin Baggett Stadium at his alma mater, Cal Poly, was rededicated as part of the Ozzie Smith Plaza, further cementing his legacy in collegiate baseball.
6.3. Other Awards and Recognitions
Beyond his Hall of Fame induction, Ozzie Smith has received numerous other significant awards and recognitions throughout his career and post-playing life. In 1999, he was ranked number 87 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players. He also finished third in voting at shortstop for the prestigious Major League Baseball All-Century Team.
Smith has been inducted into several other halls of fame, including the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and the St. Louis Walk of Fame. His academic contributions were also recognized with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Cal Poly. In January 2014, the Cardinals announced Smith as one of 22 former players and personnel to be inducted into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum as part of its inaugural class. He also received the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award in 1989, recognizing his character and integrity both on and off the field. In 2007, he was selected to the All-Time Gold Glove Team, solidifying his place as the greatest defensive shortstop in baseball history.
6.4. Overall Impact and Assessment
Ozzie Smith's impact on baseball is profound and multifaceted. He revolutionized the shortstop position, transforming it from a primarily defensive role into one that showcased athleticism, artistry, and even offensive contribution. His "God-like" fielding and ability to "prevent two runs with his glove" set a new standard for defensive excellence, influencing generations of shortstops who followed. His 13 consecutive Gold Gloves are a testament to his consistent, unparalleled defensive prowess.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Smith's charismatic "Wizard of Oz" persona and signature backflips made him a fan favorite and significantly contributed to the game's popularity. He drew massive crowds, and the St. Louis Cardinals' attendance consistently ranked among the league's best during his tenure. He became a national icon, appearing in popular culture such as The Simpsons. His dedication to improving his offensive game, culminating in a Silver Slugger Award, demonstrated his commitment to becoming a complete player. His legacy extends beyond statistics, encompassing his showmanship, sportsmanship, and enduring connection with fans, making him one of the most beloved and influential figures in baseball history.
7. Personal Life
Ozzie Smith's personal life has seen him navigate family changes and maintain a strong connection to the city of St. Louis, where he remains a visible and active figure.
7.1. Family and Personal Relationships
Ozzie Smith is the father of three children from his marriage to his former wife, Denise: sons Nikko and Dustin, and daughter Taryn. His son Nikko gained national attention for reaching the top ten finalists in the 2005 edition of American Idol, ultimately finishing in ninth place. In 2012, Smith made headlines when he sold all 13 of his Gold Glove Awards at auction for more than 500.00 K USD. This decision was a personal one, and the sale of such iconic memorabilia drew significant media attention. His divorce from Denise was finalized during the first half of his final playing season in 1996.
7.2. Life in St. Louis
Even after retiring from baseball, Ozzie Smith continues to reside in and remains a highly visible figure around St. Louis. His enduring presence in the community is evident through various public appearances and engagements. In the summer of 2001, he notably played the role of the Wizard in the St. Louis Municipal Opera's production of The Wizard of Oz, a nod to his famous nickname. He also hosts Cardinals Insider, a weekly news magazine television show about the club. Since 2016, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to health, he has opened five regenerative medicine clinics across Missouri. His continued active role in the city underscores his deep connection to the St. Louis community that embraced him throughout his illustrious career.
8. Career Statistics
Ozzie Smith's career statistics reflect his evolution as a player, from a purely defensive standout to a more well-rounded contributor, while consistently showcasing his unparalleled fielding prowess.
8.1. Hitting Statistics
| Category | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SB | SO | AVG | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statistic | 2,573 | 9,396 | 1,257 | 2,460 | 402 | 69 | 28 | 793 | 1,072 | 580 | 589 | .262 | .337 | .328 |
8.2. Fielding Statistics
| Category | G | PO | A | E | CH | DP | FP | RF/9 | Innings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statistic | 2,511 | 4,249 | 8,375 | 281 | 12,624 | 1,590 | .978 | 5.22 | 21,785.67 |