Ozzie Smith was one of the best fielding shortstops to ever play the game of baseball. Known as "The Wizard" Ozzie, would make near impossible plays seem like they were routine.
Fun Facts About Ozzie Smith
- THREE of Ozzie Smith's high school teammates (Including Baltimore Orioles Slugger Eddie Murray) were drafted immediately following high school. Ozzie was not. He was considered too small and was passed over by every team.
- Ozzie started doing his infamous back flips in a sawdust pit as a kid. It was a way for him and his childhood friends to entertain themselves. When he played with the San Diego Padres and the St. Louis Cardinals he opened and closed each season by doing those same back flips he perfected as a child.
- Ozzie used to (and probably still does) relax by listening to jazz music and playing backgammon.
- In 1991 he was named "Man of the Year", by the Jesse Jackson Rainbow Coalition.
- Born : December 26th, 1954. His birth name is Osborne Earl Smith
- Age 6 : Moved to Los Angeles because his father was a truck driver and that's where he could spend more time at home.
- Age 9 : His family and friends never saw him without a baseball in his hand. They say that he practiced non stop, every day.
- Age 15 : Went to high school with former Major Leaguer Eddie Murray.
- Age 19 : Learns to switch hit at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo
- Age 21 : Drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 7th rd.
- Age 22 : Released by the Detroit Tigers.
- Age 22 : Drafted by the San Diego Padres.
- 1980 : The acrobatic shortstop sets a National League assist record.
- 1982 : Wins the World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals
- 1987 : He almost wins the MVP award (finished 2nd in voting)
- 1993 : Became the all time National League assist leader.
- 2002 : Inducted into the Hall of Fame in July 28th, 2002
Ozzie Smith St. Louis Cardinals Throwback Jerseys
Ozzie Smith San Diego Padres Throwback Jersey
