#Shortstops: Shoes of a wizard

Osborne Earl Smith started his major league career with the San Diego Padres in 1978 and was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals prior to the 1982 season, the same year the Cardinals went on to play the Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series. Ozzie was a superstar on the field and has been recognized as one of the best defensive shortstops of all time. Coming into the 1982 season, 27-year-old Ozzie had already won two Gold Glove Awards and had made an appearance in the 1981 All-Star Game.

Leading up to the World Series that year, the Cardinals had beaten the Braves in the National League Championship, and the Brewers had defeated the Angels in the American League championship. The two teams, meeting for the first time in this World Series, found a rivalry in the fact that they were both affiliated with competing brewing companies. For this reason, the series earned the nickname “The Suds Series.”

During the seven-game series, the Wizard played a crucial role in helping the Cardinals win, showing off his skills at shortstop in Game 4. Jim Ganter hit the ball toward center field and while stepping on second base, Ozzie was able to field the ball, regain his balance and throw the ball to first for a spectacular double play.

In Game 7, during the bottom of the sixth inning, Smith singled and eventually scored after a double from Lonnie Smith and an RBI single from Keith Hernandez. Each of these hits proved key as the Cardinals took home the win.