Ozzie Smith
Ozzie Smith, nicknamed 'the Wizard of Oz', is regarded as the greatest defensive shortstop in the history of baseball. He won 13 consecutive Gold Glove Awards and was known for his phenomenal fielding feats.
Baseball Player
December 26, 1954
70
Ozzie Smith, also known as “the Wizard of Oz,” is a renowned retired American baseball player who played shortstop for the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals in Major League Baseball. Widely considered one of the best defensive shortstops in the sport’s history, Smith earned the National League Gold Glove Award for 13 straight seasons. A 15-time All-Star, he had a career batting average of .262, with 2,460 hits, 402 doubles, and 1,257 runs scored. Additionally, Smith stole 580 bases and received a Silver Slugger Award in 1987. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and gained fame for his acrobatic flips when completing double plays. Among his other accomplishments are winning the NLCS Most Valuable Player Award in 1985 and being a runner-up for the NL Most Valuable Player Award in 1987. Off the field, Smith engaged in philanthropic activities, served as a spokesperson for various companies, and pursued a broadcasting career.