Smith has recorded a free base 1,097 times while fanning on 598 occasions. His OBP sits at .338 and he has earned a career OPS of .448. He has tallied 1,293 runs in addition to having earned 811 runs batted in. He has hit a home run 30 times, as well as 3,168 total bases and a .110 slugging percentage. For the 9,623 at-bats in his MLB career, Smith is sitting with a batting average of .262 in addition to having 2,524 hits.
This season, Smith has tallied 36 runs, amassed 18 RBI and has hit 2 home runs. He has earned a walk 25 times and has an OBP of .358. Smith has compiled 64 hits out of 227 at-bats for a batting average of .282. He has gone down swinging 9 times while amassing 84 bases in total. He has compiled an OPS of 0.728 as well as a slugging % of .370.
| Year | Team | BA | HR | H | BB | R | RBI | OBP | PA | AB | OPS | OPS+ | 2B | 3B | G | SLG | SB | CS | TB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | .262 | 28 | 2,460 | 1,072 | 1,257 | 793 | .337 | 10,778 | 9,396 | .666 | 87 | 402 | 69 | 2,573 | .328 | 580 | 148 | 3,084 | 589 | |
| 1996 | STL | .282 | 2 | 64 | 25 | 36 | 18 | .358 | 261 | 227 | .728 | 94 | 10 | 2 | 82 | .370 | 7 | 5 | 84 | 9 |
| 1995 | STL | .199 | 0 | 31 | 17 | 16 | 11 | .282 | 182 | 156 | .526 | 42 | 5 | 1 | 44 | .244 | 4 | 3 | 38 | 12 |
| 1994 | STL | .262 | 3 | 100 | 38 | 51 | 30 | .326 | 433 | 381 | .675 | 78 | 18 | 3 | 98 | .349 | 6 | 3 | 133 | 26 |
| 1993 | STL | .288 | 1 | 157 | 43 | 75 | 53 | .337 | 603 | 545 | .693 | 89 | 22 | 6 | 141 | .356 | 21 | 8 | 194 | 18 |
| 1992 | STL | .295 | 0 | 153 | 59 | 73 | 31 | .367 | 590 | 518 | .708 | 105 | 20 | 2 | 132 | .342 | 43 | 9 | 177 | 34 |
| 1991 | STL | .285 | 3 | 157 | 83 | 96 | 50 | .380 | 641 | 550 | .747 | 112 | 30 | 3 | 150 | .367 | 35 | 9 | 202 | 36 |
| 1990 | STL | .254 | 1 | 130 | 61 | 61 | 50 | .330 | 592 | 512 | .635 | 77 | 21 | 1 | 143 | .305 | 32 | 6 | 156 | 33 |
| 1989 | STL | .273 | 2 | 162 | 55 | 82 | 50 | .335 | 664 | 593 | .696 | 97 | 30 | 8 | 155 | .361 | 29 | 7 | 214 | 37 |
| 1988 | STL | .270 | 3 | 155 | 74 | 80 | 51 | .350 | 669 | 575 | .686 | 98 | 27 | 1 | 153 | .336 | 57 | 9 | 193 | 43 |
| 1987 | STL | .303 | 0 | 182 | 89 | 104 | 75 | .392 | 706 | 600 | .775 | 105 | 40 | 4 | 158 | .383 | 43 | 9 | 230 | 36 |
| 1986 | STL | .280 | 0 | 144 | 79 | 67 | 54 | .376 | 609 | 514 | .709 | 98 | 19 | 4 | 153 | .333 | 31 | 7 | 171 | 27 |
| 1985 | STL | .276 | 6 | 148 | 65 | 70 | 54 | .355 | 615 | 537 | .716 | 101 | 22 | 3 | 158 | .361 | 31 | 8 | 194 | 27 |
| 1984 | STL | .257 | 1 | 106 | 56 | 53 | 44 | .347 | 484 | 412 | .684 | 95 | 20 | 5 | 124 | .337 | 35 | 7 | 139 | 17 |
| 1983 | STL | .243 | 3 | 134 | 64 | 69 | 50 | .321 | 626 | 552 | .657 | 82 | 30 | 6 | 159 | .335 | 34 | 7 | 185 | 36 |
| 1982 | STL | .248 | 2 | 121 | 68 | 58 | 43 | .339 | 567 | 488 | .653 | 84 | 24 | 1 | 140 | .314 | 25 | 5 | 153 | 32 |
| 1981 | SDP | .222 | 0 | 100 | 41 | 53 | 21 | .294 | 507 | 450 | .549 | 62 | 11 | 2 | 110 | .256 | 22 | 12 | 115 | 37 |
| 1980 | SDP | .230 | 0 | 140 | 71 | 67 | 35 | .313 | 712 | 609 | .589 | 71 | 18 | 5 | 158 | .276 | 57 | 15 | 168 | 49 |
| 1979 | SDP | .211 | 0 | 124 | 37 | 77 | 27 | .260 | 649 | 587 | .522 | 48 | 18 | 6 | 156 | .262 | 28 | 7 | 154 | 37 |
| 1978 | SDP | .258 | 1 | 152 | 47 | 69 | 46 | .311 | 668 | 590 | .623 | 82 | 17 | 6 | 159 | .312 | 40 | 12 | 184 | 43 |
Ozzie Smith, also known as “The Wizard,” is a name that resonates with baseball fans around the world. Known for his exceptional defensive skills and charismatic presence on the field, Ozzie Smith’s legacy in Major League Baseball (MLB) is etched in history. This article delves into the life and career of Ozzie Smith, exploring his stats, his baseball card value, and why he remains a beloved figure in the sport.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on December 26, 1954, in Mobile, Alabama, Osborne Earl Smith, affectionately known as Ozzie, grew up in a modest household. From a young age, he showed an interest in baseball, practicing tirelessly to hone his skills. His dedication paid off when he attended California Polytechnic State University, where he played college baseball and caught the attention of MLB scouts.
In 1977, Ozzie Smith was drafted by the San Diego Padres, marking the beginning of his professional baseball journey. His debut in the MLB came in 1978, and it didn’t take long for him to make a name for himself as a defensive powerhouse.
The St. Louis Cardinals Era
In 1982, Ozzie Smith was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, a move that would define the rest of his career. During his time with the Cardinals, Smith became a cornerstone of the team’s defense. He was known for his acrobatic plays, quick reflexes, and his signature backflip, which he famously performed on Opening Day and during postseason games.
Ozzie Smith’s Stats
Ozzie Smith’s career stats are a testament to his extraordinary talent. Throughout his 19-year career, Smith played in 2,573 games and achieved a batting average of .262. While he wasn’t known for his power hitting, with only 28 home runs, his value lay in his defensive skills and ability to get on base.
Smith’s prowess on the field earned him 13 Gold Glove Awards, underscoring his reputation as one of the best defensive shortstops in MLB history. Additionally, he was a 15-time All-Star, further highlighting his impact and popularity in the league.
Ozzie Smith’s Baseball Card Value
For collectors, Ozzie Smith’s baseball cards are highly sought after. The value of a card depends on several factors, including its condition, rarity, and the year it was issued. One of the most valuable Ozzie Smith baseball cards is his 1979 Topps rookie card. In mint condition, this card can fetch thousands of dollars at auctions.
The demand for Ozzie Smith baseball cards remains high due to his legendary status and the nostalgia associated with his era of baseball. Collectors and fans continue to seek out his cards as prized additions to their collections.
Legacy and Impact
Ozzie Smith retired from professional baseball in 1996, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the sport. In 2002, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, a well-deserved honor that recognized his contributions to the game.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Smith has been an ambassador for baseball, actively participating in community events and youth programs. His charisma and sportsmanship have made him a role model for aspiring athletes.
The Wizard’s Influence on Modern Baseball
Ozzie Smith’s impact extends beyond his playing days. His defensive style and dedication to excellence set a standard for future generations of shortstops. Players today look up to Smith as an example of how to excel defensively while also being a team leader.
In many ways, Smith redefined the shortstop position, showing that defense can be as crucial as offense in baseball. His highlight-reel plays and ability to inspire teammates have left a lasting impression on the sport.
Conclusion
Ozzie Smith’s career in Major League Baseball is a story of talent, hard work, and passion. From his early days with the Padres to his legendary years with the Cardinals, Smith’s contributions to baseball have been monumental. His stats, baseball card value, and enduring legacy continue to captivate fans and collectors alike.
As we reflect on Ozzie Smith’s remarkable career, we are reminded of the joy and excitement he brought to the game. The Wizard’s magic on the field remains an inspiration, and his influence on baseball will be felt for generations to come.
