Ozzie Smith

Ozzie Smith
Osborne Earl Smith
The Wizard of Oz

Induction Information
Elected to Hall of Fame by Baseball Writers in 2002, Player
433 votes on 472 ballots 91.74%
Hall of Fame plaque for Ozzie Smith

Born: December 26, 1954, in Mobile, Alabama

ML Debut: 4/7/1978
Primary Position: Shortstop
Bats: B Throws: R Primary Uniform #: 1

Played For: San Diego Padres (1978-1981), St. Louis Cardinals (1982-1996)
Primary Team: St. Louis Cardinals

Post-Season: 1982 NLCS, 1982 World Series, 1985 NLCS, 1985 World Series, 1987 NLCS, 1987 World Series, 1996 NLDS, 1996 NLDS
Awards: All-Star (15): 1981-1992, 1994-1996; Gold Glove (13): 1979-1992; 1985 NLCS Most Valuable Player
Hitting

Bio
Known as “The Wizard of Oz,” Ozzie Smith combined athletic ability with acrobatic skill to become one of the game’s great defensive shortstops. In 19 seasons with the Padres and Cardinals, the 13-time Gold Glove Award winner set major league shortstop records for assists, double plays and total chances. He would develop into an offensive weapon, finishing with over 2,400 hits and 500 stolen bases. His ninth-inning home run won the fifth game of the 1985 National League Championship Series.

Quote
"Ozzie Smith was a great shortstop. I saw him as a rookie in San Diego. I was always hoping they would hit the ball his way because I knew then that my trouble was over."
— Gaylord Perry

Did You Know... that Ozzie Smith was a high school baseball teammate of longtime big league first baseman Eddie Murray?

Hall of Fame Teammate: Gaylord Perry

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