Ozzie Smith. (1981). $354

1981 Topps #254 – Value: $200.00 – Grade: 9

A Defensive Wizard: https://youtu.be/T3_O9ds0b4E

#87 of the Top 100 Players

Osborne Earl “Ozzie” Smith (Born in Mobile, AL on December 26, 1954-) was a magician at the shortstop position for the San Diego Padres (1978-1981) and the St. Louis Cardinals (1982-1996) wowing fans and inspiring a generation of future shortstops. The Wizard of Oz’ amazing agility and acrobatic plays helped him win a record 13 consecutive Gold Glove Awards, leading the National League seven times in fielding percentage and also garnered him 15 All-Star selections. Smith’s eight errors in 1991 remains a National League record of fewest in a season. Ozzie helped guide the Cardinals to three NL pennants during the 1980s, capturing the 1982 World Series in his first season with the Redbirds. Quite possible the greatest shortstop in the history of the game defensively, Ozzie hit one of the most memorable home runs in baseball history in Game 5 of the NLCS in the ninth-inning to beat the Dodgers. In 1992, Smith collected both his 2000 hit and 500 stolen base. Ozzie Smith finished his career with a .262 batting average, 2,450 hits, 1,257 runs, 793 RBI and 580 stolen bases. Osborne Earl “Ozzie” Smith was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002.

Published by 1jimburton

Been married to Karen for 51 years! Father to Garrett (40) and Sarah (47). Grandfather to Ava (18) and Lila (16). Have developed the following Wordpress blogs over the past three years: All-Time Greatest Music, High Quality Baseball Cards, High Quality Basketball Cards, High Quality Football Cards, High Quality Ice Hockey Cards and USA Traveling Tips. Written one book called A World with Heart. Also, after retiring from a career in Hospital Facilities management, I have been doing K-12 substitute teaching. Also, coached U13-U16 boys and girls basketball teams for over 25 years. Last, learned to be a master at hand-carving and painting signs. The largest of which is 4’ x 6’ is a logo for Marathon Motor Works hanging over their main entrance in Nashville (it took three months to complete).

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