Date of Birth: December 26, 1954
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: *Ozzie Smith is alive.*
Biography
Ozzie Smith, born Osborne Earl Smith, is a retired American professional baseball player who played as a shortstop in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres and the St. Louis Cardinals. Born on December 26, 1954, in Mobile, Alabama, Smith is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive shortstops of all time. Over his 19-season career, he earned 13 consecutive Gold Glove Awards and was selected to 15 All-Star Games. Known as “The Wizard” for his defensive brilliance, Smith made numerous highlight-reel plays that dazzled fans and earned the admiration of his peers. Smith’s career took off with the San Diego Padres in 1978, but his most significant impact came after being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1982. In St. Louis, he became a cornerstone of the team’s success, helping them win the World Series in 1982 and National League pennants in 1985 and 1987. His offensive skills also improved over time, and he ended his career with over 2,400 hits and 580 stolen bases. After retiring in 1996, Smith was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002. Beyond baseball, he has been involved in various philanthropic activities and has served as a baseball analyst on television.
5 Interesting Facts about Ozzie Smith
1. Ozzie Smith performed a signature backflip on the field, which became a fan favorite.
2. He holds the record for the most career assists by a shortstop, with 8,375.
3. Smith was the first player in MLB history to have his jersey number retired by the St. Louis Cardinals while still an active player.
4. He authored an autobiography titled “Wizard,” published in 1988.
5. Smith has been involved in several business ventures, including owning a restaurant and a sports complex.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ozzie Smith
1. “Defense doesn’t slump.”
2. “I always played the game with a smile.”
3. “I never wanted anybody to say, ‘I could have done that.’”
4. “The key to any game is to use your strengths and hide your weaknesses.”
5. “Hard work and dedication are the cornerstones of success.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
$15 million
Children
Ozzie Smith has three children: sons Nikko and Dustin, and daughter Taryn.
Relevant Links
1. [Ozzie Smith’s Hall of Fame Profile](https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/smith-ozzie
3. [Ozzie Smith’s IMDb Profile](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0807608/
4. [Ozzie Smith’s ESPN Profile](http://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/2309/ozzie-smith
5. [Ozzie Smith’s Official Website](https://www.ozziesmith.com
