Ozzie Smith, known by fans as “The Wizard” for his dazzling defensive skills at shortstop, had a Hall of Fame career playing for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1978 to 1996. As one of the most exciting and memorable players of his generation, Smith’s baseball cards are highly sought after by collectors. With over 20 years in the major leagues making highlight-reel plays routinely, Smith has been featured on dozens of baseball cards throughout the decades. Here are some of the most notable and valuable Ozzie Smith cards in the hobby:
1979 Topps Rookie Card (#91) – As Smith’s first major league card issued after his debut season with the Cardinals in 1978, his 1979 Topps rookie is one of the key cards for any Ozzie Smith collection. The design features a solid white border around Smith’s photo on the left with his basic stats and bio on the right. Graded mint condition examples in PSA 10 or BGS/SGC 9.5 can fetch over $1,000 due to the card’s significance as his rookie. Even well-centered, near-mint copies still sell for hundreds on the secondary market.
1982 Fleer (#151) – This is considered one of Smith’s best and most iconic baseball card images. It captures him perfectly executing a backhand stab and throw from deep in the hole at shortstop. The bright yellow Fleer design really makes Smith pop on the card as “The Wizard” in action. High-grade copies in PSA 10 or BGS/SGC 9.5 have sold for over $2,000. This is a must-have for any serious Ozzie Smith collector.
1983 Topps (#384) – Smith’s 1983 Topps card is another all-time great image that shows why he earned his nickname. It depicts him soaring through the air with his arm fully extended on a leaping catch. The blue and white Topps design is clean and lets Smith’s athleticism shine. Pristine PSA 10 or BGS/SGC 9.5 examples can reach $1,500 or more in value.
1985 Topps (#1) – A true oddball in the best sense, Smith’s 1985 Topps card has the distinction of being card #1 in the set. Topps made Smith the leadoff card that year as a testament to his abilities and importance to the Cardinals. The photo shows him in action from a low angle. High-grade copies are very rare and can sell for over $1,000 in PSA 10 or BGS/SGC 9.5 holders.
1987 Topps Traded (#T100) – As one of the most visually striking Ozzie Smith cards ever made, his 1987 Topps Traded card captured him with an intense, game-face expression in mid-throw from deep in the hole. The photo really pops against the dark blue and yellow Traded design. Pristine PSA 10 or BGS/SGC 9.5 specimens can reach $2,000 or more in value.
1990 Upper Deck (#1) – Another true “oddball” as the #1 card in the pioneering Upper Deck set that helped revolutionize the baseball card industry. The photo shows Smith signaling to first base after a play. High-grade copies are very scarce and can sell for $1,000+ in top holders due to its rarity and significance as the leadoff card in the brand’s inaugural set.
1992 Bowman Gold (#BG1) – As the #1 card in the ultra-premium Bowman Gold set limited to only 10,000 copies, Smith’s 1992 issue is one of the rarest modern Ozzie cards produced. The gold-embossed design really makes this one stand out. Few high-grade samples even exist, and a PSA 10 could fetch $3,000+ from avid collectors.
1996 Upper Deck MVP Autograph (#MVP) – Smith’s final season saw Upper Deck issue this autograph card as part of their “MVP Autograph” insert set. It captured #13 signing a photo from his playing days. Only available through hobby packs at the time, high-grade PSA 10 or BGS/SGC 9.5 versions can sell for over $1,000 today.
While Ozzie Smith had countless cards produced over his Hall of Fame career, the above issues stand out as some of the most iconic, visually striking, and valuable representing “The Wizard” on the baseball card collecting front. Whether it’s a rookie card, action shot, autograph, or true “oddball,” Smith’s best cards will remain highly sought after by enthusiasts for years to come.
