Who Is Ozzie Smith? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ozzie Smith, born on December 26, 1954, is a renowned former professional baseball player known for his exceptional defensive skills and athleticism. Smith primarily played as a shortstop in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres and the St. Louis Cardinals. With a career that spanned from 1978 to 1996, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest shortstops in the history of the game.
As of 2025, Ozzie Smith is 70 years old. He continues to be involved in the sport through various charitable efforts and appearances, inspiring new generations of athletes.
| Occupation | Baseball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 26, 1954 |
| Age | 70 Years |
| Birth Place | Mobile, Alabama, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Ozzie Smith's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ozzie Smith stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) and weighs around 160 pounds (73 kg). Known for his incredible agility, Smith maintained a slim physique throughout his playing career, which contributed to his exceptional performance on the field. Although details about his current body measurements are not publicly available, he is often seen promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
Upon joining the Cardinals, Smith helped the team win the 1982 World Series. Three years later, his game-winning home run during Game 5 of the 1985 National League Championship Series prompted broadcaster Jack Buck's "Go crazy, folks!" play-by-play call.
Despite a rotator cuff injury during the 1985 season, Smith posted career highs in multiple offensive categories in 1987. Smith continued to earn Gold Gloves and All-Star appearances annually until 1993. During the 1995 season, Smith had shoulder surgery and was out nearly three months.
After tension with his new manager Tony La Russa developed in 1996, Smith retired at season's end, and his uniform number (No. 1) was subsequently retired by the Cardinals. Smith served as host of the television show This Week in Baseball from 1997 to 1998.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ozzie Smith has been married to his wife, Denise Smith, since 1980. The couple has two children together. Prior to his marriage, he was known for keeping his personal life relatively private. As of 2025, there have been no public announcements regarding any changes in his relationship status, and he remains happily married.
His father worked as a sandblaster at Brookley Air Force Base. When Smith was six, his family moved to the Watts section of Los Angeles. His father became a delivery truck driver for Safeway stores, while his mother became an aide at a nursing home. His mother was an influential part of his life who stressed the importance of education and encouraged him to pursue his dreams.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Ozzie Smith's estimated net worth is around $15 million. His wealth primarily stems from his illustrious baseball career, lucrative endorsement deals, and other business ventures. After retiring from baseball, Smith has engaged in various philanthropic activities and continues to maintain a presence in the sports community, which has also contributed to his earnings.
Smith was playing semi-professional baseball in Clarinda, Iowa, when in June 1976 he was selected in the seventh round of the amateur entry draft by the Detroit Tigers. The parties could not agree on a contract; Smith wanted a $10,000 ($0 today) signing bonus, while the Tigers offered $8,500 ($0 today).
Smith returned to Cal Poly for his senior year, then in the 1977 draft was selected in the fourth round by the San Diego Padres, ultimately agreeing to a contract that included a $5,000 signing bonus ($0 today). Smith spent his first year of professional baseball during 1977 with the Class A Walla Walla Padres of the Northwest League.
Career, Business and Investments
Ozzie Smith had a stellar MLB career, garnering numerous accolades, including 15 Gold Glove Awards and a place in the All-Star Game multiple times. His post-retirement career includes roles as a broadcaster, motivational speaker, and business owner. Smith's investments mainly focus on sports-related ventures, including coaching clinics and baseball camps, where he shares his expertise and passion for the game.
Smith has also been actively involved in charitable endeavors, such as the Ozzie Smith Charitable Foundation, which focuses on youth programs, education, and health initiatives.
Osborne Earl Smith (born December 26, 1954) is an American former professional baseball player. Nicknamed "The Wizard of Oz", Smith played shortstop for the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals in Major League Baseball, winning the National League Gold Glove Award for defensive play at shortstop for 13 consecutive seasons.
A 15-time All-Star, Smith accumulated 2,460 hits and 580 stolen bases during his career, and won the National League Silver Slugger Award as the best hitter at shortstop in 1987. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2002. He was also elected to the St.
Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame in the inaugural class of 2014.
Social Network
Ozzie Smith is active on various social media platforms, where he shares updates about his life, career, and philanthropic efforts. You can follow him on:
- Twitter: @OzzieSmith
- Instagram: @Ozzie_Smith
- Facebook: OzzieSmithOfficial
Smith missed the first month of the season with a hamstring injury, and continued to harbor ill feelings toward La Russa that had developed after spring training ended. In a closed-door meeting in mid-May, La Russa asked Smith if he would like to be traded.
Instead, Smith and his agent negotiated a compromise with Cardinals management, agreeing to a buyout of special provisions in his contract in conjunction with Smith announcing his retirement. The agreement prompted a press conference at Busch Stadium on June 19, 1996, during which Smith announced he would retire from baseball at season's end.
Education
Although Ozzie Smith's baseball career overshadowed his academic pursuits, he attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he played college baseball. His experiences during this time laid the foundation for his successful professional career. He often emphasizes the importance of education in his outreach efforts, encouraging young people to balance sports with academics.
In summary, as we look ahead to 2025, Ozzie Smith remains a revered figure in the world of baseball. His legacy continues to inspire millions, both on and off the field.
Besides the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Smith has also been inducted or honored in other halls of fame and recognitions. In 1999, he ranked number 87 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, and finished third in voting at shortstop for the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.
He was honored with induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Walk of Fame, and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Cal Poly. In January 2014, the Cardinals announced Smith among 22 former players and personnel to be inducted into the St.
Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum for the inaugural class of 2014.
