Ozzie Smith
The Wizard defined defensive excellence for the St. Louis Cardinals with acrobatic plays and clutch hitting.
Ozzie Smith, born December 26, 1954, is an American former professional baseball player renowned as one of the greatest defensive players of all time. Nicknamed "the Wizard of Oz" and simply "the Wizard," he played shortstop for the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals in Major League Baseball. Smith won the National League Gold Glove Award for 13 consecutive seasons, was a 15-time All-Star, and accumulated 2,460 hits and 580 stolen bases during his career. He also won the Silver Slugger Award as the best hitter at shortstop in 1987.
- Role
- Shortstop
- Affiliation
- St. Louis Cardinals (1982-1996)
- Major Honors
- 13 Gold Glove Awards, 15 All-Star selections, Silver Slugger Award (1987)
- Hall of Fame
- Inducted 2002
- Nickname
- The Wizard
- World Series Titles
- 1 (1982)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Smith's journey to St. Louis began after a contract dispute with the Padres' owners, prompting manager Whitey Herzog to fly to San Diego in person to persuade him to join the Cardinals. Smith was traded in 1982 for shortstop Garry Templeton. Upon arrival, he immediately helped the team secure the 1982 World Series title. His tenure was highlighted by a dramatic moment in Game 5 of the 1985 National League Championship Series, where his game-winning home run prompted broadcaster Jack Buck's iconic call: "Go crazy, folks!" Despite dealing with a shoulder issue in 1986, Smith posted career highs in multiple offensive categories in 1987. He continued to earn Gold Gloves and All-Star selections annually until 1993, cementing his status as a core component of the franchise.
In Their Own Story
The defining moment of Smith's St. Louis career occurred during Game 5 of the 1985 National League Championship Series. With tension high in the series, Smith stepped up to the plate and hit a game-winning home run. The play triggered legendary broadcaster Jack Buck to scream, "Go crazy, folks!" capturing the electric atmosphere of the moment. Earlier in his career, Smith had established his reputation with acrobatic fielding, famously diving behind second base on April 20, 1978, to catch a bad-hopping ground ball from Jeff Burroughs and throwing him out at first. On special occasions, such as Fan Appreciation Day on October 1, 1978, he performed backflips to take the field, a move that became his signature and delighted fans throughout his tenure.
Reader's Guide
Fans can trace Smith's impact through specific milestones: his first Gold Glove in 1980, his debut All-Star appearance in 1981, and his retirement at the end of the 1996 season following tensions with manager Tony La Russa. The Cardinals honored his legacy by retiring his uniform number (No. 1). His career path included playing for Locke High School and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo before being drafted in the fourth round by the Padres in 1977. After a shoulder surgery in 1995 kept him out for nearly three months, he returned briefly before retiring. Smith's post-playing career included hosting "This Week in Baseball" from 1997 to 1998. His contributions were formally recognized when he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2002 and later to the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame in the inaugural class of 2014.
Did You Know?
- Smith performed backflips when taking the field starting on April 7, 1978, after being encouraged by promotion director Andy Strasberg.
- As a child in Watts, Smith developed his quick reflexes by bouncing balls off concrete steps and doing flips into sawdust piles at a local lumberyard.
- Smith was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1976 but returned to college after failing to agree on a $10,000 signing bonus; he was then drafted by the Padres in 1977.
- During his rookie season in 1978, Smith made a spectacular diving catch behind second base against Jeff Burroughs just 10 games into his career.
- Smith's uniform number (No. 1) was retired by the St. Louis Cardinals after he retired at the end of the 1996 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ozzie Smith?
Ozzie Smith, known as 'The Wizard of Oz,' was a legendary shortstop who played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1982 to 1996. Born in 1954, he is celebrated as one of the greatest defensive players in baseball history before his induction into the Hall of Fame in 2002.
What were Ozzie Smith's primary roles and achievements?
Smith served as the Cardinals' shortstop, where he won a record 13 consecutive Gold Glove Awards for his elite fielding. He was also a 15-time All-Star and earned the Silver Slugger Award in 1987, proving his value both defensively and offensively.
Why is Ozzie Smith considered so important to Cardinals fans?
He defined defensive excellence during his tenure with acrobatic plays that energized crowds and secured crucial outs for the team. His leadership and clutch performance helped anchor a dynasty that included their 1982 World Series championship.
How did Ozzie Smith's career end?
Smith finished his Major League career in 1996 after spending fifteen seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, leaving as a franchise icon with 2,460 hits and 580 stolen bases. His final years were marked by continued defensive dominance until retirement.
Did Ozzie Smith win any World Series titles?
Yes, he won one World Series title in 1982 during his first season with the St. Louis Cardinals. This championship remains a pivotal moment in his storied career and solidified his legacy with the franchise.
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