Ozzie Smith – 1991 Fleer Ultra

Hundreds of Ozzie Smith cards have been issued since he broke in with the San Diego Padres in 1978. There are two reasons why I like all of them, and they explain why Ozzie Smith is and will always be my favorite position player. First, he was a striking example of what happens when a person combines his natural ability with a dedication and commitment to his craft. He was the finest fielding shortstop I have ever seen, and I’m in my sixth decade of watching them. He was an intelligent player who made any infield he played in better. He was a fast runner who could steal bases, and easily went from first to third when it was appropriate to do so. He throws were both strong and accurate. Any ball hit near him was an out. He was a Gold Glove winner thirteen times. Quickness was another element of his game. He could instantly break to his left or right with ease. He was a model of agility and grace, an acrobat on the diamond. His nickname, “the Wizard of Oz,” was perfect. 

The second reason for my admiration for him was Ozzie Smith’s demeanor and gentlemanly ways. I know he got into a scrap or two during his career, but that is an accepted part of competitive athletics. He is as fine an ambassador for the game of baseball as there has ever been. It was almost impossible not to be drawn in by his remarkable  play. What I especially liked was his willingness to talk to the press and fans alike. I know because I was one of those fans who was touched by his generosity. I still have a meaningful piece of memorabilia that he signed for me almost twenty-five years ago, and am still inspired by the words he wrote at that time.

So which baseball card do I choose for a man whose career spanned nineteen years? Any number of cards would work in this post. Perhaps to do him justice I should have included several of them, and there are certainly enough of them to choose from, what with Topps, Fleer, Donruss, Upper Deck, Score and Sportsflix all issuing cards during his playing days. I finally settled on this 1991 Fleer Ultra card. I love the image of him here because of the leap and the stretch. It looks like he got the ball, although I’m not completely certain. I haven’t been to all of the National League Stadiums, but this one looks like Wrigley Field to me, especially with the ivy growing on the wall in the background. My guess is based at least in part by his appearing in a Cardinals “away” uniform. Not all of the fans from other cities cheered for him, but I’ll lay odds they all appreciated him. Wizards like Ozzie Smith come along once in a lifetime, right Champ?