Synopsis
"Wizard," co-authored by Ozzie Smith and Rob Rains, is an autobiography that chronicles the life and career of the St. Louis Cardinals’ legendary shortstop, famously nicknamed "The Wizard of Oz" for his extraordinary defensive prowess on the baseball field. Published in 1988, the book captures Smith’s journey from his challenging childhood in the riot-torn Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles to his rise as one of baseball’s highest-paid players and a celebrated figure in the sport. The narrative begins with Smith reflecting on his early years, growing up in a tough environment where his family moved when he was six years old. Despite the adversity surrounding him, Smith discovered his athletic gifts early on, particularly his quick reflexes, which would later define his career. The book paints a vivid picture of his youth, emphasizing how his determination and natural talent set the stage for his eventual success in professional baseball.
The story then transitions to Smith’s entry into Major League Baseball, starting with his time at California Polytechnic State University and his draft by the San Diego Padres in 1977. Smith details his initial struggles, including a contract dispute with the Detroit Tigers that led him to return to college before signing with the Padres for a modest bonus. His early professional years with the Padres, a struggling team often mired in last place, are recounted with a mix of humor and candor. One memorable anecdote involves Padres owner Joan Kroc playfully offering him a part-time job as her assistant gardener, highlighting the lighter moments of his tenure there. However, it was his trade to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1982 that marked a turning point. Under manager Whitey Herzog, Smith became the final piece of a championship puzzle, helping the Cardinals win the World Series that year. The book delves into his evolution from a "good-field, no-hit" player to a more well-rounded athlete, eventually earning a Silver Slugger Award in 1987 for his offensive contributions.
Smith’s narrative is rich with his experiences on the field, particularly his defensive wizardry that earned him 13 consecutive Gold Glove Awards starting in 1980. He recounts key moments, such as his iconic postseason home run in 1985 against the Los Angeles Dodgers—a rare feat for a player known more for his glove than his bat—that sent Cardinals fans into a frenzy and cemented his legacy in St. Louis. The book also covers his perspective on the 1987 season, including the World Series loss to the Minnesota Twins, where he controversially suggests the Metrodome’s air blowers may have favored the home team. Beyond the games, Smith offers outspoken opinions on baseball’s broader landscape, including his belief that umpires sometimes ruled against superstars out of envy for their salaries, and he shares personal clashes, like an incident with pitcher Ed Whitson, whom he accuses of intentionally injuring him in 1984.
Written after the 1987 season, "Wizard" concludes with Smith looking ahead to 1988, expressing optimism about new teammate Bob Horner filling the void left by Jack Clark, though hindsight reveals this hope was misplaced. The book, while brief, provides a chronological account of his career up to that point, touching lightly on his personal life—his marriage and children are mentioned but not deeply explored. Instead, the focus remains on his professional journey, his love for the game, and his reputation as an approachable yet fiercely competitive superstar. Co-authored with Rob Rains, a sportswriter for the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, the text blends Smith’s voice with a polished narrative style, offering fans an engaging, if conventional, baseball autobiography that celebrates his defensive mastery and contributions to the Cardinals’ success, all while hinting at the nine more years of his illustrious career still to come.