Ozzie Smith was affectionately known as “The Wizard” due to his defensive excellence in baseball. Over his illustrious 19-year career, he earned an astounding 13 Gold Glove Awards, an undeniable proof of his unparalleled skill and work ethic. The following exceptional defensive plays illustrate his extraordinary talent, which has left an indelible mark on the sport.
A Barehanded Play vs. Chicago Cubs (1978)
On April 20, 1978, during a game at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs, Ozzie Smith showcased his extraordinary reflexes with a barehanded grab. As a ground ball sped toward him, he instinctively reached out, snagging it without a glove.
Ozzie’s Diving Stop vs. New York Mets (1985)
Smith executed a breathtaking diving stop in this thrilling matchup against the New York Mets. He lunged to his right, extending his body to snag a hard-hit ball destined for the outfield. After making the catch, Ozzie delivered a perfect throw to first base.
The Relay Throw vs. New York Mets (1985)
The matchup against the New York Mets was another opportunity for Ozzie to display his unique defensive skills. After fielding a ball in shallow left field, he quickly assessed the situation and fired a strike to home plate to cut down a runner attempting to score.
Jumping Over Base Runners vs. Atlanta Braves (1985)
On May 14, 1985, at St. Louis’s Busch Stadium, Smith leapt over a sliding runner during an intense matchup against the Atlanta Braves. The crowd erupted as he made the play look effortless as he helped the Cardinals secure a 4-3 victory.
The No-Look Throw vs. Philadelphia Phillies (1986)
Smith’s impressive no-look throw after fielding a grounder deep in the hole was another of his remarkable defenses. His ability to make such throws without even glancing at his target was nothing short of magical.
The Flip vs. San Francisco Giants (1987)
One of Ozzie’s most iconic moments occurred during Game 5 of the 1987 NLCS against the San Francisco Giants. He performed an impressive flip over sliding baserunner Lenny Harris while turning a double play. This extraordinary maneuver earned the Cardinals a 7-5 victory.
An Over-the-Shoulder Catch vs. Chicago Cubs (1987)
This electrifying game against rivals Chicago Cubs was played at Wrigley Field under bright lights. Appearing unstoppable, Smith made an unforgettable over-the-shoulder catch as he tracked down a deep fly ball off Ryne Sandberg’s bat.
The Diving Stop vs. Tony Gwynn (1989)
Smith’s diving stop against the San Diego Padres was unforgettable and helped stop one of Gwynn’s trademark line drives. With incredible anticipation and reflexes, he laid out fully to secure the ball just inches from hitting the grass, which helped the St. Louis Cardinals maintain their lead.
Ozzie’s Backhanded Grab vs. San Diego Padres (1989)
During this incredible standoff, the St. Louis Cardinals won the game with the San Diego Padres. Positioned far from first base, Smith displayed incredible hand-eye coordination by reaching for a ball that seemed destined for left field. He then threw out the runner with pinpoint accuracy.
The Spin Move Double Play vs. Cincinnati Reds (1990)
Ozzie Smith never ran out of defensive maneuvers. In Game 3 of the NLCS, he turned a mind-blowing spin move double play that shocked everyone. Smith fielded a ground ball, spun around, and threw to second base for one out before completing it at first base.
The Sliding Stop vs. San Francisco Giants (1990)
The San Francisco Giants’ offensive was almost unstoppable, but not for Ozzie. On June 23, 1990, Smith glided across the turf to halt the ball’s momentum before it could reach the outfield grass. Then, he threw out the runner at first base with remarkable speed.
Smith’s Game-Saving Catch vs. Atlanta Braves (1991)
In a game against the Atlanta Braves, Ozzie made a game-saving catch that helped the Cardinals win the match. He sprinted toward the foul line and made an over-the-shoulder catch, ranging far into shallow left field. The catch preserved the Cardinal’s narrow 5-4 lead in the end.
A Diving Catch vs. New York Mets (1991)
The game against the New York Mets featured Smith executing a breathtaking diving catch. Ranging far into shallow left field, he sprinted toward the foul line and made an over-the-shoulder catch. This preserved a critical lead and an eventual 7-6 win for the Cardinals.
A Mid-Air Diving Catch vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (1992)
Ozzie made an unforgettable diving catch during an interleague game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In what looked like a choreographed execution, the player tracked a deep fly ball off Andy Van Slyke’s bat, sprinted back, and launched himself into the air for a successful mid-air grab.
A Farewell Display vs. New York Mets (1996)
As he played his last career game, Ozzie Smith ensured he gave fans one last final spectacular play: an acrobatic dive for a ground ball. He followed it up with an accurate throw to first base for an out—a great way to say goodbye.
15 Defensive Plays That Rattled Ozzie Smith’s Opponents