The Wizard of OZ- Ozzie Smith

[CoachT]

OZZIE SMITH

 

 

 

“THE WIZARD” OF BASEBALL AND HALL OF FAMER

 

Ozzie Smith is known in baseball as “The Wizard” and as the best defensive shortstop of all time. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002.

 

Smith retired from baseball in 1996 after playing 19 years in the major leagues, the first four years with the San Diego Padres and the final fifteen with the St. Louis Cardinals. His nickname describes the way he played shortstop—he performed magic with his glove and performed in the infield with amazing acrobatic agility.

 

Smith broke countless records during his nineteen years in the majors. He is the all-time assist leader at shortstop with 8,375, and the all-time leader in double plays, with 1,590. He also was awarded a record thirteen Gold Glove Awards, and started at shortstop in ten consecutive All-Star Games, and received the most overall votes for the 1987 and 1988 All-Star Games.

 

Smith also has other notable baseball statistics, including finishing his career with 2,460 hits, and seventeen straight 100 hit seasons. He was also named to Major League Baseball’s All Century 100 Best Baseball Players of the 20th Century.

 

Off the field, Smith has been an exemplary role model. He was the 2001 recipient of the “Walter Payton Sweetness Award,” a Victor Award given to an athlete who has contributed to his community as well as his sport. He is the 1995 recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award, the Major League Baseball humanitarian award. In 1994, he received the Branch Rickey Award for personifying “Service Above Self,” and he was the 1992 St. Louis Man of the Year. Finally, in 1986 he received the Father of the Year Honors Group Award, and in 1983 received the NAACP Image Award for Sportsmanship, Humanitarianism, and Community Involvement.

 

Smith’s charitable endeavors almost always benefit children, and he has spent countless hours assisting various charities such as Multiple Sclerosis, The Variety Club, Ronald McDonald House, Annie Malone Children’s Home, The Boys Club of St. Louis, and Kids in the Middle.

 

Since retirement from baseball Smith succeeded Mel Allen as host of This Week in Baseball, was the color analyst for Cardinal broadcasts in 1997-1999, and served as the baseball analyst for CNNSI, a joint venture between CNN and Sports Illustrated from 1999 to 2002. He also has a restaurant in St. Louis, Ozzie’s Restaurant and Sports Bar at Westport Plaza, which is celebrating its 19th year in business in 2006.

 

In addition to serving in the role as St. Louis’ newly named Fitness Czar for the Get Hooked on Health St. Louis initiative, Smith serves as the Education Ambassador to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, a position created expressly for him. He also has corporate affiliations with John Hancock, Street & Smith publications, Bank of America, DHL, Gillette, and Kraft.

 

In 1998, 1999 and 2001 Smith was cast in three theatrical productions at The Municipal Theatre in St. Louis. He had a cameo role in darn Yankees in 1998. In 1999 he sang and tap danced in The Muny Goes British a musical revue based on songs from various Broadway musicals, and in 2001 he starred as The Wizard in The Muny’s production of The Wizard of Oz.

 

Smith has three children and resides in St. Louis because he feels a deep responsibility to give back to the community that has so enriched his life.

 

Ticket information at Ozzie Smith- FHU

[montague1]

I've been planning this outing for me and my 7 year old for a long time. He wears #1 plays SS, and tries to do a cartwheel or two when he takes the field, he loves Ozzie.

 

The best deal is $300.00. But it gets you maroon level seating for 4, dinner for 4, and a photo op for 4 with Ozzie. Well worth the price.

[CoachT]

It should be an excellent event. He is a classy guy.

[CoachT]

Bump

[cbg]

They should have Ozzie do a camp for middle infielders in the morning & early afternoon and do the dinner that evening. It's great to try and raise some funds but let's teach kids how to play the game.

[YellowCard]

I don't know if many people keep up with the Memphis Redbirds but a few seasons ago their SS,Stubby Clapp would do backflips before each inning.Ozzie is one of my all-time favorites.Truely a master at his position.

[CoachT]

Saturday night.

[westtn2004state]

I recently went and saw Cal Ripken Jr. at FHU. It was indeed a treat in itself.