Osborne Earl “Ozzie” Smith, born on the 26th of December, 1954, is an American athlete who became famous as a former baseball player for the Major League Baseball. He became well-known for his playing years with the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals from 1978 to 1996 and for his signature back flips.
So how much is Smith’s net worth? As of early 2017, based on authoritative sources it is reported to be $15 million, acquired from his years as a professional baseball player and for his stint in the media and his personal business.
Ozzie Smith Net Worth $15 million
Born in Mobile, Alabama, Smith is the second son of six of Clovi and Marvella Smith. His father used to work as a sandblaster at the Brookley Air Force Base and later on became a truck driver when their family moved to Los Angeles, California. Meanwhile his mother took care of the family while also being an aide at a nursing home.
During his childhood years Smith’s love for baseball already started. He also used to play rough games with his friends doing back flips in a pile of sawdust, a trick that would later make him popular.
Smith continued his passion for baseball during his time in Locke High School. But despite his efforts and performance, he wasn’t considered a great prospect. Fortunately, he was able to manage to be accepted at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo with a partial scholarship where he continued playing baseball.
Right after finishing college, Smith got drafted in 1977 by the San Diego Panders. His acceptance on MLB started his professional career in baseball and also his net worth
Within a short time playing professional baseball, he already established himself as one of the top fielders in the game. It was also in the beginning of his career that his famous back flips started.
In 1980, after only playing for three years, Smith already received a Gold Glove Awards for fielding excellence. After being transferred to St. Louis Cardinals in 1982, he continued to perform exceptionally well, receiving a total of 13 Gold Glove Award in his lifetime. His early years in baseball and accolades helped with his career and also his net wealth.
Smith played with the Cardinals for fourteen years, retiring in 1996. Aside from his exceptional performance every match, he helped the team win the 1982 World Series, won the NL Silver Slugger Award in 1987, and got the title “The Wizard of OZ” during his time with the team.
After his life with baseball, Smith continued to be involved in the world of sports by hosting the television series “This Week in Baseball” in 1997, and also sat as one of the commentators for KPLR-TV for two years. His various work in media also helped maintain his net worth.
Today, Smith still helps his team the Cardinals by being one of their special instructors. He has also been inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002.
In terms of his personal life, Smith was married to in 1980 but separated in 1996. He has three children.
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