Ozzie Smith

Osborne Earl Smith, born December 26, 1954, in Mobile, Alabama, is an American former professional baseball player who played shortstop in Major League Baseball. Nicknamed "the Wizard of Oz," Smith played for the San Diego Padres and the St. Louis Cardinals. When he was six years old, his family moved to Watts, Los Angeles. He demonstrated quick reflexes during childhood athletic activities and went on to play baseball at Locke High School in Los Angeles before continuing at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Drafted as an amateur player by the Padres, Smith made his major league debut in 1978 and quickly established himself as an outstanding fielder. Renowned for his acrobatic athletic ability, he won the National League Gold Glove Award for defensive play at shortstop for 13 consecutive seasons and became known for performing backflips on special occasions while taking his position. He was a 15-time All-Star and won the National League Silver Slugger Award as the best hitter at shortstop in 1987. Over his career he accumulated 2,460 hits and 580 stolen bases.

Smith is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in baseball history.