Smith began his professional career in 1978 with the San Diego Padres. He quickly became one of the best defensive shortstops in the league, and was named to the All-Star team in 1979. He won his first Gold Glove Award in 1980 and continued to be one of the best defensive players in the league for the next decade.
In 1982, Smith was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he would spend the rest of his career. He continued to be one of the best defensive players in the league, and was named to the All-Star team in each of his 14 seasons with the Cardinals. He also won 11 more Gold Glove Awards and two Silver Slugger Awards with the Cardinals.
Smith retired in 1996 after 18 seasons in the major leagues. He finished his career with a .262 batting average, 2,460 hits, 1,257 runs scored, and 580 stolen bases. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002 and the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2014.
Ozzie Smith is widely regarded as one of the greatest shortstops of all time. He was a master of defense, and his incredible skill set earned him the nickname "The Wizard of Oz". He was a 15-time All-Star, 13-time Gold Glove Award winner, and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest players in baseball history.
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58 minutes
1982
In 1982, the sports broadcasting landscape was graced by the iconic voice of Jack Buck,...
1982 St. Louis Cardinals Celebration & Highlights / In 1982, the sports broadcasting landscape was graced by the iconic voice of Jack Buck, whose vivid narrations and heartfelt enthusiasm captured the essence of baseball like few others could. This particular year was momentous for Jack Buck and the St. Louis Cardinals, as it marked a significant period in both their trajectories. Buck, having been the voice of the Cardinals since the late 1950s, brought not just experience but a deep connection to the team and its fanbase to his broadcasts. The 1982 season saw the Cardinals clinch their first World Series title since 1967, a victory that was not just a win but a resurgence of the team's prominence in Major League Baseball.
The celebration and highlights broadcast of the 1982 St. Louis Cardinals encapsulate the jubilation and the strategic masterstrokes that defined their season. Through Jack Buck's narrative, listeners are transported to key moments that defined the Cardinals' journey to victory, from dramatic playoff games to the final out that sealed their World Series triumph. His commentary does not just recount events; it revives the emotions and the electric atmosphere of the stadium, making it a timeless piece for any baseball aficionado or historian of the sport. This broadcast remains a testament to Buck’s legendary career and his ability to weave the thrill of the game into every word he spoke.