I love that moment. He's not showboating at all, and actually seems a little embarrassed by the attention. Definitely the greatest shortstop and one of the greatest personalities in baseball history.
@@joecamel914 it was always a thrill to watch him play the game even at times he was playing against my family which I love watching Ozzie seemed magical. Thanks Larry Ray.😊
agreed! i was in cooperstown for his induction into the hall of fame & he’s only got love for the sport and fans still. i remember he said he didn’t have much training as a kid, but he started developing his reaction time by throwing a baseball up high at night & he only had the light on the garage lighting a limited space for him to react & catch the baseball in time. ( he got hit on the head a few times apparently haha) he’s such an awesome athlete. i went on to be a fan of mcgwire & pujols but cards fans know how that worked out…
Ozzie would get one more out than any other SS about every two games. That's 81 times a year. 2460 hits plus about 18 years x 81 = 3918. Close but not quite.
@@Shinobi33His "will" must not have been very strong, as he was barely passable ML hitter. Busch Stadium carpet covered average arm, backflip impressive though.
@@Mister8224 I think from that famous that famous play at San Diego you can tell his arm was better than just average. And with hitters today routinely hovering above and below the Mendoza line I'll take Ozzie's career .262 avg. Just saying......
What people may not realize about Ozzie Smith is not only did he make the catches and stops - which other great shortstops have been able to do - but his throws to first were on time and accurate. His predecessor in St. Louis, Garry Templeton, make some tremendous stops, which became moot when he'd throw the ball over the 1st baseman's head. In his later years when his arm strength had diminished, Ozzie mastered the art of bouncing the ball on one hop off the turf to the 1st baseman.
I am a diehard Cubs fan and still stood in line for 2 hours for an Ozzie Smith autograph, in full Cubs gear. It doesn't matter that our teams were rivals, he is a class act that transcends any team.
To this day Ozzie is truly one of the most athletic MLB players of all time. His agility and verticle jump are insane, add his awareness, and speed, just beyond belief what he could do.
yeah hes strong and athletic how come he didn't hit more homeruns? I know he wasn't a power hitter but didn't he only have like 25 homeruns in his whole career
@@leg-end_0631 for some strange reason I always remember other people saying the same thing about Ozzie & his home runs. I’m gonna look it up but that always stood out to me & his flips!
Growing up, my dad always talked about “the wizard” and how important it was to be quick and well rounded. My dad is gone now, I no longer play the game, but it’s clear what he was talking about. The guy was unreal. Likely to never be another like him.
I’m a Cardinals fan born in 2006(I guess that’s good luck since they won that year) but I wish I could’ve grown up in the 80’s to witness Ozzie and all the other Cardinal legends from that 82 team.
At 44 years old I still remember getting my picture taken with him and Willie McGee when I was in LL as a kid for getting 1st place. My best childhood memories were baseball and meeting him. Has been and will always be my favorite player of all time.
Defence will always matter. The value has just shifted around. With batters hitting harder, but less often, a lot of the value you'd get from a great defensive SS has been spread around more to 3rd, and the outfield. As for strategy, that's literally the reason we see more strikeouts and HRs. Teams have gotten a lot better at positioning players before a batter swings, even without crazy overshifts. But you can't really "defend" a ball hit into the stands.
@@CanadaMMA very good points, I think the value exists in Vizquel struggling a bit to get in the HOF, but you can clearly see that Vizquel had nowhere near the stardom of Ozzie Smith. Close to very few people have. Strategies have become a lot more sophisticated, but hopefully a balance comes along though that closer resembles the yesteryear's style of play than what exists today. Homers and strikeouts are putting me to sleep.
The Wizard of Oz. One of the greatest nicknames in sports history. More impressively, it was truly fitting and deserved. Other guys were great defensive shortstops, but Ozzie Smith was SMOOOTH when he did it. Dude was Baryshnikov out there. If theres a heaven and im eligible, I want a chance to watch Ozzie Smith and Roberto Alomar to play a season together in their primes. They would be incredible together.
You gotta love baseball. I used to wonder what it would've been like to have Ozzie and Brooks Robinson in the same infield. What a pleasure it was to be alive to witness such great men.
Ozzie is the greatest shortstop of all time! I was a diehard Expos fan but how much fun was it when the Cards were in the playoffs to see Ozzie work his magic?
Now, top prospect Masyn Winn (SS) is promoted to the major leagues and is wearing number 0 to get as close to the wizard as possible. I'm glad to know that not only was Ozzie smith one of the best ss ever, but his legacy is bigger than we may have realized
Ozzie is the man. Forever. I really hope the padres don't trade em all. Our turn. And ozzie is he best shortstop that played. Tatis can slam all day but ozzie will erase errors
Very underrated player, doesn't get talked about enough, 1 of the greatest shortstops EVER, Would love a card signed by him, unfortunately I live in Georgia
Not sure how somebody who makes it into the HOF is considered "underrated". He is widely considered to be one of the single best defensive players.....ever.
Oh how I miss those classic Saturday NBC game of the week broadcasts. Vin Scully and Joe Garagiola were just beautiful to listen to for any real baseball fans.
Hard to believe he played with Keith Hernandez. Two of the greatest with the glove at their position in the same infield. First year together they won the whole thing. Crazy how that works.
"Well, Mr Burns had done it. The power plant had won it...." My Favourite song from the Simpsons. And what a great episode. I wonder of Ozzie ever got out of that hole?
That and there was literally no one else named Ozzie who played SS. Ripken, Jeter samething one name athletes who you knew right away who they're talking about
That ovation for 2K hits is louder and stronger than most guys get for 3,000. What a truly beloved player and class act. Goosebumps
I love that moment. He's not showboating at all, and actually seems a little embarrassed by the attention. Definitely the greatest shortstop and one of the greatest personalities in baseball history.
@@joecamel914 it was always a thrill to watch him play the game even at times he was playing against my family which I love watching Ozzie seemed magical. Thanks Larry Ray.😊
Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie
agreed! i was in cooperstown for his induction into the hall of fame & he’s only got love for the sport and fans still.
i remember he said he didn’t have much training as a kid, but he started developing his reaction time by throwing a baseball up high at night & he only had the light on the garage lighting a limited space for him to react & catch the baseball in time. ( he got hit on the head a few times apparently haha) he’s such an awesome athlete. i went on to be a fan of mcgwire & pujols but cards fans know how that worked out…
@@joecamel914 Ozzie Smith has the dWAR to prove that he's the GOAT ShortShop. Stay mad, Derek Jeter fanboys...
If Ozzie Smith got credited for a hit, every time he robbed one from a batter, he'd be your all time hit leader.
Ozzie would get one more out than any other SS about every two games. That's 81 times a year. 2460 hits plus about 18 years x 81 = 3918. Close but not quite.
@@edwardscheller7042 not sure whether to love or hate your comment, but well done :)
He's the all time defensive WAR leader, if that matters to you.
Ozzie Smith has gotta be one of the only position players ever to finish 2nd in MVP voting with 0 homers what a legend
75 RBI without a single homer is impressive. Not to mention 43 out of 52 steals. Amazing player
What's crazy is that he was not a natural gifted hitter at all. But he willed himself into being one a good hitter by playing to his strengths.
Yea. Its pretty amazing when you think about it ⚾️💯💪
@@Shinobi33His "will" must not have been very strong, as he was barely passable ML hitter. Busch Stadium carpet covered average arm, backflip impressive though.
@@Mister8224 I think from that famous that famous play at San Diego you can tell his arm was better than just average. And with hitters today routinely hovering above and below the Mendoza line I'll take Ozzie's career .262 avg. Just saying......
I met Ozzie Smith 3 years ago. He was so friendly and down to earth. A true legend for us St. Louis kids in the 80's.
What people may not realize about Ozzie Smith is not only did he make the catches and stops - which other great shortstops have been able to do - but his throws to first were on time and accurate. His predecessor in St. Louis, Garry Templeton, make some tremendous stops, which became moot when he'd throw the ball over the 1st baseman's head. In his later years when his arm strength had diminished, Ozzie mastered the art of bouncing the ball on one hop off the turf to the 1st baseman.
I defiantly know people are well aware of his throwing, most of his highlights are throwing
I am a diehard Cubs fan and still stood in line for 2 hours for an Ozzie Smith autograph, in full Cubs gear. It doesn't matter that our teams were rivals, he is a class act that transcends any team.
Total respect for the Wizard!!
私が小さい時、日米野球でオジー・スミス選手の守備を観た。もう、あのアクロバティックな守備はとても日本選手には真似できないと思った。
メジャーはパワーだけでなく技術も桁違いに凄い。
「オズの魔法使い」ってニックネームもかっこよかった。
I'm a Cubs fan and absolutely love Ozzie. He was a hell of a player.
To this day Ozzie is truly one of the most athletic MLB players of all time. His agility and verticle jump are insane, add his awareness, and speed, just beyond belief what he could do.
Rey Ordonez, NY Mets
Artistic Defense, Stand Out
yeah hes strong and athletic how come he didn't hit more homeruns? I know he wasn't a power hitter but didn't he only have like 25 homeruns in his whole career
Jeter is the Goat
@@leg-end_0631 for some strange reason I always remember other people saying the same thing about Ozzie & his home runs. I’m gonna look it up but that always stood out to me & his flips!
Growing up, my dad always talked about “the wizard” and how important it was to be quick and well rounded. My dad is gone now, I no longer play the game, but it’s clear what he was talking about. The guy was unreal. Likely to never be another like him.
Vizquiel came close
Masyn winn is a close second at least
Ozzie Smith. My all time and forever, favorite baseball player. What a Gentlemen. What magic!
An athlete, a gentleman and one of the most lovable players to ever grace the diamond.
Legend.
Fantastic video
Captures the highs
People chant his name
Even after a bad at bat
No shitty music
Wizard of OZ
Shitty music?
I remember watching these games. Cardinals had some awesome players at this time and Ozzy is one of the greatest of all time.
Baseball was so much better then and Ozzie was so much fun to follow
You aren't joking!
Grew up watching Ozzie and listening on a m radio while fishing with my late father. This vid just put a huge smile and a small tear on my face.
beautiful
I’m a Cardinals fan born in 2006(I guess that’s good luck since they won that year) but I wish I could’ve grown up in the 80’s to witness Ozzie and all the other Cardinal legends from that 82 team.
That team was something special!
At 44 years old I still remember getting my picture taken with him and Willie McGee when I was in LL as a kid for getting 1st place. My best childhood memories were baseball and meeting him. Has been and will always be my favorite player of all time.
One of, theeee best shortstops ever!!!!!
Too bad baseball has become a game of home runs and strike outs. Defense and strategy don't rank anymore.
Defence will always matter. The value has just shifted around. With batters hitting harder, but less often, a lot of the value you'd get from a great defensive SS has been spread around more to 3rd, and the outfield.
As for strategy, that's literally the reason we see more strikeouts and HRs. Teams have gotten a lot better at positioning players before a batter swings, even without crazy overshifts. But you can't really "defend" a ball hit into the stands.
@@CanadaMMA very good points, I think the value exists in Vizquel struggling a bit to get in the HOF, but you can clearly see that Vizquel had nowhere near the stardom of Ozzie Smith. Close to very few people have. Strategies have become a lot more sophisticated, but hopefully a balance comes along though that closer resembles the yesteryear's style of play than what exists today. Homers and strikeouts are putting me to sleep.
1987 Ozzie had a magical year finished 4th in NL Mvp award 104 runs scored batted 303 average 40 doubles 182 hits 43 SB 75RBI .
One of the classiest and most polished players MLB has ever had. Legend.
I met Ozzie Smith back in 1989.
I also saw the Cardinals in Bush statium before they tore it down.
He is better than Jeter. He owns the greatest play of all time. 13 GOLD GLOVES
Ozzie was arguably was the greatest defensive shortstop
Obviously Jeter was a far superior hitter
Jeter was one of the worst defending short stops of all time but ozzie isn't even close to the same hitter as jeter
@@chadm6767 Is that something you think Jeter would want to do?
No shit he’s better than jeter lol
If the cheering for his 2000 hit doesn’t make you tear up…….
An Ozzie Smith highlight or tribute video is not complete without the barehanded play when he was a Padre.
That's what I was looking for
People obviously know how good a defender Ozzie was, but he was also a solid offensive player. Especially for a shortstop of that era.
Proud to be a saint louis cardinals fan and live here!! Congratulations to the legendary wizard of ozz!!
Houston Astros just highlighted Ozzie! Amazing!! ⚾️⚾️ 8-22-2021! Much respect Sir!!
I met Ozzie Smith today, no need to believe me but he was pretty chill and he was nice to listen too.
The Wizard of Oz. One of the greatest nicknames in sports history. More impressively, it was truly fitting and deserved. Other guys were great defensive shortstops, but Ozzie Smith was SMOOOTH when he did it. Dude was Baryshnikov out there.
If theres a heaven and im eligible, I want a chance to watch Ozzie Smith and Roberto Alomar to play a season together in their primes.
They would be incredible together.
Mad props to the ATL fans cheering Ozzie on in his final at bat.
First saw him play live in the 1982 World Series. It was settled after that. I was playing shortstop.
You gotta love baseball. I used to wonder what it would've been like to have Ozzie and Brooks Robinson in the same infield. What a pleasure it was to be alive to witness such great men.
I think Brooks had more seperation between him & next best at 3rd base. Many were Ozzie's near equal in field & significantly more pop at bat.
I played shortstop all my life and was always fascinated by Ozzie doing a backflip running out on the field ! He’s a legend
ozzie smith was so ridiculously good
No ay palabras el mejor short stop de la historia el mago de Oz
Ozzie Smith‼️往年の偉大なプレイヤーだったのですね。
CZcamsで、初めて知って彼の身体能力の高さや、神業の守備に驚き魅了されました👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Im fortunate enough that my gpa took me to many games to see my favorite player. Ozzie was phenomenal
Growing up, Ozzie was someone who I truly looked up to.
He was my hero growing up. Good to see him again.
He was the best. Life long Cardinal fan. Had the privilege of meeting him and getting a picture with him when I was a kid.
The most amazing thing about this highlight reel? That day World Series game between the Cardinals and Brewers. Man they need to bring those back.
Ozzie is the greatest shortstop of all time! I was a diehard Expos fan but how much fun was it when the Cards were in the playoffs to see Ozzie work his magic?
Now, top prospect Masyn Winn (SS) is promoted to the major leagues and is wearing number 0 to get as close to the wizard as possible. I'm glad to know that not only was Ozzie smith one of the best ss ever, but his legacy is bigger than we may have realized
Ozzie Smith was my dad's favorite player and mine is Rickey Henderson
Ozzie was the man. Truly amazing ballplayer
Ozzie is the man. Forever. I really hope the padres don't trade em all. Our turn. And ozzie is he best shortstop that played. Tatis can slam all day but ozzie will erase errors
Very underrated player, doesn't get talked about enough, 1 of the greatest shortstops EVER, Would love a card signed by him, unfortunately I live in Georgia
Not sure how somebody who makes it into the HOF is considered "underrated". He is widely considered to be one of the single best defensive players.....ever.
Oh how I miss those classic Saturday NBC game of the week broadcasts. Vin Scully and Joe Garagiola were just beautiful to listen to for any real baseball fans.
He’s the reason why my number has always been 1
I met Ozzie at a work function that my company had in St Louis and he was there signing autographs
This was baseball🇺🇸
Hes the Ricky Henderson of shortstopping
Most insane was how fast he bounced to his feet after diving. And he used take ground balls between innings and throw to first with his eyes closed.
SS- Ozzie
1B- Pujols
3B- Arenado
C- Molina
Cardinals have had some damn good infielders these last 40 years
The only thing stopping this video from being perfect is the inane, passionless commentary of Joe 'Mitchell' Buck.
He was a great player
The old Vet at philly will always appreciate this man
40 yrs old and still playing in the best baseball of the world.
The magician in action . love you Ozzie
My dads childhood player he was a huge part of the cardinals
The GOAT!
it always surprises me how fast ozzie was able to go from fully laid-out to releasing the throw.
Hard to believe he played with Keith Hernandez. Two of the greatest with the glove at their position in the same infield. First year together they won the whole thing. Crazy how that works.
Him and andrelton simmons are so fun to watch
"Well, Mr Burns had done it. The power plant had won it...." My Favourite song from the Simpsons. And what a great episode. I wonder of Ozzie ever got out of that hole?
Best defensive SS I've ever seen!
オジー・スミス
プロスピ査定
ミート 75(B)
パワー60(C)
走力85(A)
肩力88(A)
守備95(S)
スローイング95(S)
My absolute hero.
With all due respect to Cal Ripken, this video highlight reel is proof positive who MLB's True Ambassador of The Game was....😎🇵🇷🇺🇸🗽🦂😊
I got to hold Ozzie’s bat and It was one of the best days of my life!!
Wanted to show someone what a great defensive SS looks like in 2021, naturally looked up the Wizard of Oz
QUE COSAS SIN OREGERAS EL CASCO SIN DUDA UNOS DE LOS MEJORES SHORTS STOP DE TODOS LOS TIEMPOS
If you not from St.Louis... you don’t understand.... the goat @ ss period
Ozzie is one of those one name athletes.....When someone says "Ozzie" you know who it is!!
That and there was literally no one else named Ozzie who played SS.
Ripken, Jeter samething one name athletes who you knew right away who they're talking about
Mike Greenberg sent me here. Amazing player
Holly sh.. how long that ovation was?
The Best!!!
Courts one into right is just beautiful
1:22 buddy balked so hard. Gotta come to a stop lol
0:45 - The greatest double play move by a SS ever? I can't think of any better.
I wish I could have seen him play he was so good
U have no idea ..... nickname the wizard
すごいすごいすごい！
Greatest defensive SS of all time and I’d bet everything on it. .
Love Ozzie Smith this is from a Cubs fan
Ozzie is your favorite players favorite player.
Over 2,400 hits
580 steals
Only 589 strikeouts
I wouldn't say he wasn't an offensive player.
When compared to other great fielding SS who had pop at bat, his greatness diminishes. But he did great body flips.
Deserved every second and then some of the applause
There shouldn't even be a debate who's the best all-time defensive shortstop was
Hardly captures the brilliance of the Wizard. The plays shown are typical This Week In Baseball plays... but not what made him a legend.
There is a reason why his jersey number is 1
I still like to think this rookie card will be worth alot some day so a hang on to it only one i kept from when i was a kid
Best shortstop of all time w/ease
Omar Vizquel and Cal ripken
Man, I hope Ozzie can escape the Mystery Spot someday.
Ozzie was THE BEST!! Don’t tell me I’m wrong cuz I don’t take Fake News
El mago de las paradas cortas.
I REMEMBER IN 1982 OUTSIDE SHEA STADIUM BEING MISTAKEN FOR OZZIE SMITH AND I LOOK LIKE JAMES JIMMY SI SILAS
how are you gonna cut Buck's great call?
Good old days indeed