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 He
retired after the 1996 season after
playing 19 years in the major
leagues, the first four years with
the San Diego Padres and the last
fifteen with the St. Louis
Cardinals. His nickname describes
his style of play. He performed
magic with his glove and played
baseball with amazing acrobatic
agility. Ozzie broke countless
records during his nineteen years of
service: all-time assist leader at
shortstop with 8,375 assists, all
time leader at turning double plays
with 1,590, 13 consecutive Gold
Glove Awards at shortstop, was
selected for the All Star game 15
times, with 10 consecutive years as
the National League starting
shortstop, and in 1987 and 1988 he
was the top vote getter in the All
Star balloting. In 1994 and 1995 he
received the most votes in the
National League All Star
balloting...Book
Ozzie Smith for Your Event
Ozzie's Hall of Fame plaque reads,
"Revolutionized defensive play at
shortstop with his acrobatic
fielding and artistic turning of
double plays. The 13-time Gold Glove
winner set six major league fielding
records among shortstops, including
most assists, double plays and
chances accepted. An effective
offensive player, he accumulated
2,460 hits and stole 580 bases.
Named to 15 All-Star teams. His
relentless pursuit of perfection
helped lead the Cardinals to three
World Series, including a 1982
championship. His congenial
personality, consummate
professionalism and trademark back
flip made 'The Wizard' a fan
favorite."
Off the field, Ozzie is a great
ambassador to baseball. He was the
1995 recipient of the Roberto
Clemente award, the humanitarian
award of Major League Baseball, the
1994 recipient of the Branch Rickey
Award, honoring Major League
Baseball's outstanding individual
who personifies "Service Above
Self." In 1992 he was named the St.
Louis Man of the Year, an award
previously given only to business
and civic leaders. In 1983 he was
given the NAACP Image Award for
Sportsmanship, Humanitarianism, and
Community Activities and in 1986 was
named to the Father of the Year
Honors Group by the National Fathers
Day Committee. His charitable
endeavors almost always benefit
children, whether it be instructing
inner city children in baseball,
serving as chairman for fund raisers
at area Boys Clubs, visiting sick
children at local hospitals, and
hosting underprivileged children
when they visit his restaurant and
the ballpark.
Since Ozzie's retirement, he has
been named the new host of This Week
in Baseball, succeeding Mel Allen,
and joined the KPLR Channel 11
Cardinal broadcast team as color
analyst for all home televised
games.
>>>
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