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He was born
http://www.biography.com/people/ozzie-smith-21112837He was born in Mobile,Alabama,and moved to South Central Los Angeles with his family when he was 6. -
Shortstop for San Diego Padres
http://www.biography.com/people/ozzie-smith-21112837Smith spent one year in the minors before he was named the San Diego Padres starting shortstop for the season. -
Backflip tradition
http://www.biography.com/people/ozzie-smith-21112837Before the last game of the season a teamate convinced Smith to do a backflip on the field,beginning a tradition in which he opened and closed every season with one of his flips. -
Gold Glove awards
http://www.biography.com/people/ozzie-smith-21112837Smith set the record for shortstops with 621 assists and won the first 13 consecutive Gold Glove Awards for fielding excellence. -
St.Louis Cardinals
http://www.biography.com/people/ozzie-smith-21112837Traded to the St.louis Cardinals prior to the season,Smith became the cornerstone of a club that relied heavily on speed and defense,and helped the Cardinals win the 1982 World Series. -
The Wizard of Oz
http://www.biography.com/people/ozzie-smith-21112837In St.louis "The Wizard of Oz" became one of the most popular players in baseball,a showman who earned top billing and top dollar for his fielding acrobats.Nonetheless,he gradually made himself into a capable hitter as well. -
Set career highs
http://www.biography.com/people/ozzie-smith-21112837Smith set career highs in batting average (303),doubles (40),runs (104),and RBIs (75). -
He retired
http://www.biography.com/people/ozzie-smith-21112837He retired after the 1996 season,ending his 19 year run with 15 all star selections,a shortstop record 8,375career assists,2,460 hits,and 580 stolen bases. -
Hall of Fame
http://www.biography.com/people/ozzie-smith-21112837"The Wizard of Oz" breezed into the baseball's Hall of Fame in 2002,his first year of eligibility.
