Ozzie Smith, nicknamed “The Wizard” for his incredible defensive skills at shortstop, played from 1978 to 1996, primarily with the St. Louis Cardinals. As one of the most popular and best defensive shortstops of all time, Smith has many baseball cards that collectors seek. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of Ozzie Smith’s notable baseball cards and what they may be worth depending on condition.
One of Smith’s more valuable rookie cards is his 1978 Topps card #534. This is considered one of his true rookie cards since it was from his first full season in the majors in 1978 with the San Diego Padres. High grade 1978 Topps Ozzie Smith rookie cards in Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT) condition can sell for over $1,000. Excellent-Mint (EX-MT) condition examples often sell in the $500-750 range. Simply graded rookies in lower grades of Poor-Good (PR-GD) still typically sell for $100-200.
Another highly valued Ozzie Smith rookie is his 1979 Topps trader card #714T. Topps issued special “trader” cards in 1979 that were inserted randomly in wax packs. High grade 1979 Topps trader rookie cards of Smith in EX-MT condition can sell for $800-1200. Lower graded PR-GD cards usually sell in the $150-300 range. This remains one of Smith’s key early rookies due to the scarcity of the Topps trader insert cards.
In 1982, Topps issued Smith’s first card as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, which is #650 in the set. High graded 1982 Topps cards of Smith’s first season with St. Louis in NM-MT can sell for $250-500. Lower EX-MT examples fall in the $100-200 range. This marked a turning point when Smith started to have success leading the Cardinals to championships in the 1980s.
One of Smith’s most beautiful and iconic baseball cards is his 1985 Topps card #370 that features a spectacular backwards diving defensive play. Upper graded NMT copies of this card can sell for well over $1,000. EX-MT condition examples often trade hands for $500-800. This eye-catching card highlighting Smith’s glove work helps demonstrate why he earned the nickname “The Wizard.” Even PR-GD copies without flaw still sell in the $150-300 range.
Smith had plenty of other notable cards throughout the late 1980s as he led St. Louis to the 1982 and 1987 World Series titles. His 1987 Topps Traded card #47T showing Smith during his MVP season is very popular. High grade copies can sell for $400-600. Even lower gradePR-GD ’87T cards frequently sell for $100-200. This demonstrates Smith’s popularity and the demand for cards memorializing his peak seasons.
In 1990, Upper Deck joined the baseball card scene and issued Smith’s first card in their inaugural set as #321. High grade NM-MT 1990 Upper Deck Smith rookie cards can sell for $750-1500. Even EX-MT condition examples still typically sell for $350-750. PR-GD copies usually sell for $100-200 due to the large print run of Upper Deck cards compared to the earlier issues. Nevertheless, it was an important modern rookie card release for Smith.
One of Smith’s final flagship cards was his 1992 Topps Traded card #14T where he is sporting a Hall of Fame ballot cap. Near-Mint copies of this send-off card can sell for $300-500. EX-MT condition versions fall in the $150-300 range. PR-GD copies remain popular for collectors and often sell for $50-100. This marked a poignant final card release for Smith before his retirement after 1996 season.
Since retiring, hobbyists and investors continue to seek out graded high quality examples of Ozzie Smith’s best and most visually appealing cards. But there is demand across all conditions and price points due to his iconic playing career, all-time defensive highlights, 13 Gold Gloves, and unanimous Hall of Fame induction in 2002. Whether a $1 rookie or $1,000 artwork card, collectors of all levels want to own pieces of “The Wizard’s” legacy on cardboard. As long as Smith remains beloved in baseball history, demand and values for his vintage cards stand to appreciate over the long term.
