Ozzie Smith, nicknamed “The Wizard” for his glove work at shortstop, had a Hall of Fame career playing for the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals from 1978 to 1996. Known primarily for his incredible defense, Smith won 13 Gold Glove Awards and helped revolutionize the way the shortstop position was played with his acrobatics in the field. While not a big power hitter by any means, Smith was an integral part of many Cardinals teams and helped them win the 1982 World Series.
Due to his legendary defense and iconic status with the Cardinals, Ozzie Smith baseball cards from his playing days hold significant value for collectors. Some of the key Ozzie Smith rookie and rare cards that can be worth serious money include:
1978 Topps Ozzie Smith Rookie Card (Card #526) – Smith’s true rookie card from his first season with the Padres in 1978 is one of the key cards for any Ozzie Smith collection. High grade examples of this card in near-mint to mint condition (Grades 7-10) can be worth $500-$1000. Well-centered examples in mint condition have even sold for over $2000. The card has traditional design and photos on the front and back. This was Smith’s first appearance in the Topps set as a pro.
1981 Fleer Update Ozzie Smith (#U39) – Considered one of Smith’s tougher early cards to find in high grade, the 1981 Fleer update issue featured action shots of Smith playing shortstop. Grading at a 9 or 10, this card can sell for $400-$600. Even well-centered eight grade examples have sold for over $200. The card stands out for featuring one of Smith’s best action images at a key point early in his career.
1983 Donruss Ozzie Smith (#45) – This is one of Smith’s more visually striking early cards showing him gracefully leaping in the air. High grade gems of this card in mint condition have sold for $300-$500. Even well-centered near mint copies can command $150-$250 depending on the auction. The dramatic action photo and bold yellow and white design make this a popular card in Ozzie Smith collections.
1984 Topps Traded Ozzie Smith (#T83) – As a traded set insert in 1984, this Smith card had a lower print run and is tougher to find in pristine condition compared to the base issue. Grading at a 9.5 or 10, examples can sell for $400+ depending on the auction. Even off-center eight grade copies typically sell for $100-$175. This inserts cards showcases Smith’s defensive skills catching a popup.
1985 Fleer Update Ozzie Smith (#U8) – One of Smith’s better update issue cards, it shows him spinning and throwing to first. High grade mint condition 9’s and 10’s can reach $250-$400. Near mint to mint 8’s and 8.5’s are typically $75-$150. The bright pink border and action scene make this a desirable mid-80s Smith card.
1987 Topps Ozzie Smith (#660) – Smith’s main ’87 Topps card is iconic for its powder blue design and bird’s eye angle action shot. High grade copies in mint condition command $75-$150. Even well-centered near mint examples are typically $30-60. This remains one of Smith’s most visually striking regular issues cards from his Padres/Cardinals playing days due to its unique design elements.
1991 Studio Ozzie Smith (#21) – This insert set featured posed portrait shots of stars. For Smith collectors, this rare parallel image outside of a baseball uniform makes it highly sought after. Mint 9’s and above in pristine shape can reach $350-$600. Even off-center near mint copies tend to sell in the $150-$250 range. The rarity of a non-action pose adds to the appeal for enthusiasts.
1992 Bowman Ozzie Smith (#512) – Considered one of Smith’s best regular issues during his Cardinals career prime, this card shows him diving for a grounder. Solid mint 9 examples command $60-$150. Even well-centered near mint copies are $25-$50. The bright photography and action pose make this a classic Smith card for collectors.
2000 Ultra Ozzie Smith (Parallel Red #/10) – Highly rare parallel red ink parallel versions of this final career retrospective insert set image were limited to only 10 copies. Numbered versions are the True Holy Grails for Smith collectors. Even unnumbered red parallels have sold for $1000+. This ultimate short print encapsulates Smith’s legendary career.
While all the above represent some of the most prominent Ozzie Smith cards that are highly valued in the hobby, there are certainly others from various sets throughout the 1980s and early 90s that hold significance depending on condition, photo quality, and different parallels. For example, nicely centered 1985 or 1994 Fleer update issues, 1990 Topps Traded black parallel, or 1995 Collector’s Choice Spectrum parallel versions can also sell for multiple hundreds graded gem mint. Any key early cards, famous action shots, rare variants or serially numbered pieces featuring Ozzie Smith the player and icon will remain coveted investments for dedicated collectors due to his storied career and prominence within the game of baseball.
