Ozzie Smith Opening Night Dive 1985
The Wizard's legendary opening day dive ignited a World Series championship run for the Cardinals.
The 'Opening Night Dive' of Ozzie Smith on April 9, 1985, stands as one of the most electrifying moments in St. Louis Cardinals history and arguably the greatest opening day play ever witnessed. Occurring at Busch Stadium II against the Chicago Cubs, the legendary shortstop, known as 'The Wizard,' made a spectacular diving stop to his left on the very first pitch of the season. This immediate display of elite range and athleticism set the tone for a year that would culminate in the Cardinals winning their seventh World Series championship.
- Player
- Ozzie Smith
- Team
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Opponent
- Chicago Cubs
- Date
- April 9, 1985
- Location
- Busch Memorial Stadium, St. Louis
- Significance
- First play of the 1985 Season
Lore & Background
The atmosphere at Busch Memorial Stadium that April morning was electric, filled with fans eager to see what 'The Wizard' could do. When the ball was hit sharply toward him, Smith's reaction time and commitment were instantaneous. He dove horizontally across the dirt, extending his glove just inches from the ground to rob a sure base hit before flipping the ball to first base for an out. This moment instantly endeared him to the St. Louis faithful, cementing his legacy as a local hero who could do the impossible.
In Their Own Story
The morning sun glinted off the freshly cut grass of Busch Stadium as the roar of the crowd began to build. Ozzie Smith stood in his crouch at shortstop, his glove ready, eyes locked on the batter from the rival Cubs. The pitcher wound up and released; the bat cracked with a sharp report. A line drive screamed toward the hole between short and second. In a blur of motion, Smith exploded to his left, his body parallel to the ground, dirt flying into the air as he stretched every inch of his reach. The ball struck the pocket of his glove just before it kissed the turf. He scrambled up, dusting off his uniform, a wide grin spreading across his face as the stadium erupted in cheers.
Reader's Guide
The game began with high tension as the St. Louis Cardinals faced their arch-rivals, the Chicago Cubs, on Opening Day. The first batter for the Cubs stepped to the plate, looking to make an early statement against the new-look Cardinals lineup.
On the very first pitch of the game, the batter made solid contact, driving a sharp ground ball directly at Ozzie Smith's position. It was a hot shot that would have easily found a gap in lesser hands, promising a dangerous lead for Chicago.
Smith reacted with his trademark lightning speed, diving full extension to his left. He caught the ball cleanly on the bounce while lying flat on the infield dirt, preventing what looked like an inevitable base hit.
Immediately after securing the catch, Smith scrambled to his feet and fired a perfect throw across the diamond to first baseman Jack Clark. The throw beat the runner by a comfortable margin, recording the first out of the 1985 season in spectacular fashion.
Did You Know?
- This dive occurred on the very first play of the game, making it an instant highlight reel moment that defined the start of the season.
- Ozzie Smith was traded to St. Louis from San Diego just prior to this season, making his debut year a massive success both offensively and defensively.
- The 1985 Cardinals went on to win the World Series, often cited as one of the greatest teams in franchise history.
- Smith won 13 Gold Glove awards during his career with the Cardinals, starting with the momentum built from moments like this dive.