future major league star Ozzie Smith is born in Mobile, Alabama

On December 26, 1954, future major league star Ozzie Smith is born in Mobile, Alabama. In 1978, the “Wizard of Oz” will make his debut with the San Diego Padres and will eventually establish himself as one of the game’s greatest defensive shortstops…

He was a 15X All-Star, won 13 Gold Glove Awards, won the NLCS MVP Award in 1985, and was a member of the 1982 World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals. He also led NL shortstops in assists and fielding percentage 8X each, DP 5X, & putouts twice. His uniform #1 is retired by the Cardinals. Smith was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2002 (91.7% on the 1st ballot).

In his 19-year career (1978-1996), Ozzie had 2460 hits, 580 SB, 1257 runs, 1072 BB (against only 589 strikeouts), .262 BA, &.337 OBP.
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