Ozzie Smith Net Worth – How Much is Ozzie Smith Worth?

Ozzie Smith, the retired professional baseball player, has built an impressive net worth throughout his esteemed career. With exceptional skills and contributions to the sport, Smith’s net worth currently stands at approximately $16 million. This sum encompasses his earnings from baseball, as well as his ventures in media and entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways:

Ozzie Smith has a net worth of around $16 million.
Smith’s wealth includes his earnings from baseball, media, and entrepreneurship.
He played in the MLB for the San Diego Padres and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Smith earned a salary of $31 million throughout his career, equivalent to approximately $60 million today after adjusting for inflation.
In 1987, Smith was the highest-paid player in the league, earning $1.94 million.

Salary and Career Earnings

Ozzie Smith’s financial success extended beyond his on-field achievements. Throughout his career, Smith earned a substantial salary and amassed an impressive net worth. Let’s take a closer look at his salary and career earnings.

After being drafted in 1977, Ozzie Smith quickly made an impact in the baseball world. He signed a contract with the San Diego Padres, worth $72,500 at the time. This marked the beginning of what would be a lucrative career for the talented shortstop.

Over the course of his career, Smith’s earnings totaled an impressive $31 million. Adjusted for inflation, this figure equates to approximately $60 million in today’s money. It’s important to note that his earnings from baseball alone contributed to his overall net worth, which is estimated to be $16 million.

In 1987, Ozzie Smith achieved a significant milestone in his career – he became the highest-paid player in the league. That year, his salary reached an impressive $1.94 million. This accomplishment solidified his status as not only an exceptional athlete but also a financially successful one.

It’s evident that Ozzie Smith’s talent and dedication on the baseball field translated into substantial financial rewards. His career earnings and lucrative contracts played a significant role in building his net worth.

Year
Salary

1977
$72,500

1987
$1.94 million

Career Earnings (adjusted for inflation)
$60 million

Early Life and Education

Ozzie Smith, born on December 26, 1954, in Mobile, Alabama, had an eventful early life shaped by his passion for sports. Growing up in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, Smith attended Locke High School, where he actively participated in both baseball and basketball. His talent and determination paved the way for a promising future.

After high school, Smith pursued higher education at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. It was during his time at Cal Poly that he showcased remarkable skills, setting records for at-bats and stolen bases. He delved deep into the world of baseball, honing his craft and laying the foundation for his professional career.

Smith graduated from Cal Poly in 1977, equipped with the knowledge and experience that would propel him to great heights in the world of baseball.

San Diego Padres

In the 1977 MLB draft, Ozzie Smith was chosen by the San Diego Padres. He made his MLB debut in April 1978, marking the beginning of a remarkable career. Smith played for the Padres until 1981, during which he showcased his exceptional skills and athleticism, earning him multiple accolades.

In his first season with the Padres, Smith introduced his signature move, a backflip, which became synonymous with his playing style. His incredible defensive abilities quickly gained recognition, and he won his first of an impressive 13 consecutive Gold Glove Awards in his debut season.

Smith’s debut season also highlighted his impressive defensive prowess, with a remarkable fielding percentage of .970. He displayed exceptional agility and range at shortstop, solidifying his reputation as one of the best defensive players in the game.

In addition to his defensive skills, Smith contributed offensively as well, finishing his first season with a respectable batting average of .258. His all-around abilities and impact on the game made him an integral part of the Padres’ roster during his time with the team.

Smith’s tenure with the San Diego Padres laid a strong foundation for his illustrious career, setting the stage for greater achievements to come. His remarkable contributions as a Padre cemented his legacy as one of the most iconic players in MLB history.

St. Louis Cardinals in the 80s

In 1982, Ozzie Smith was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. His arrival marked the beginning of a successful era for the team, culminating in a World Series championship. The Cardinals displayed their dominance by sweeping the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), securing their spot in the World Series. Ultimately, the Cardinals emerged as the champions, bringing home the coveted title.

Ozzie Smith played a pivotal role in the Cardinals’ success throughout the 80s. In 1985, he helped lead the team to the NLCS once again, showcasing his exceptional skills and contributing to their impressive performance. It was during this series that Smith hit his first-ever home run, a memorable milestone in his career.

Smith’s excellence extended beyond his defensive prowess. In 1987, he received the prestigious Silver Slugger Award, recognizing his exceptional offensive capabilities as a shortstop. This accolade further solidified Smith’s impact on the Cardinals’ success. Alongside his teammates, he played a key role in helping the Cardinals win the NLCS and advance in their pursuit of another World Series title.

Year
Team
Championship

1982
St. Louis Cardinals
World Series Champions

1985
St. Louis Cardinals
NLCS

1987
St. Louis Cardinals
NLCS, Silver Slugger Award

Throughout the 80s, Ozzie Smith’s impact on the St. Louis Cardinals was undeniable. His exceptional defensive skills, offensive contributions, and leadership helped propel the team to great success, making him a beloved figure among Cardinals fans.

St. Louis Cardinals in the 90s

In the 90s, the St. Louis Cardinals faced challenges in reaching the postseason, but Ozzie Smith continued to achieve significant milestones. In 1992, Smith stole his 500th career base, recorded his 2,000th career hit, and won his 13th and final consecutive Gold Glove Award. Despite facing injuries and conflicts with the team’s manager in his later seasons, Smith’s dedication and talent remained unwavering.

In 1996, Ozzie Smith announced his retirement, marking the end of an era for both him and the Cardinals. Despite his retirement, the team had a successful year, winning the NL Central Division. Smith’s legacy as a remarkable player for the St. Louis Cardinals in the 90s continues to inspire fans and baseball enthusiasts.

Let’s take a closer look at some of Ozzie Smith’s achievements during this period:

1992: Stole his 500th career base
1992: Recorded his 2,000th career hit
1992: Won his 13th consecutive Gold Glove Award

Smith’s retirement left an indelible mark on the St. Louis Cardinals and the world of baseball. His contributions to the sport and his remarkable achievements will always be remembered.

Year
Achievement

1992
Stole 500th career base

1992
Recorded 2,000th career hit

1992
Won 13th consecutive Gold Glove Award

Post-MLB Career

After retiring from baseball, Ozzie Smith embarked on a successful post-MLB career, venturing into various endeavors that showcased his versatility and passion for the sport.

One notable aspect of Smith’s post-MLB career was his foray into television hosting. He had the opportunity to host the iconic television series “This Week in Baseball.” Through this platform, Smith engaged with audiences, providing unique insights and analysis into the world of baseball. His charismatic on-screen presence and in-depth knowledge of the game made him a beloved figure among fans.

Highlights of Ozzie Smith’s Post-MLB Career

Hosted the television series “This Week in Baseball”
Provided color commentary for local broadcasts of Cardinals games
Joined the sports news network CNN/Sports Illustrated in 1999
Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002
Inducted into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum in 2014

Smith’s transition to television hosting allowed him to continue contributing to the baseball community while showcasing his expertise and passion for the sport.

In addition to his television endeavors, Smith made significant contributions to the sport by participating in color commentary for local broadcasts of St. Louis Cardinals games. His unique perspective as a former player added depth to the commentary and gave viewers valuable insights into the game.

Furthermore, in 1999, Smith joined the sports news network CNN/Sports Illustrated, further solidifying his presence in the media landscape. His contributions as a baseball analyst expanded his reach and allowed him to share his knowledge and love for the game with a broader audience.

Smith’s remarkable achievements in his MLB career were duly recognized when he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002. This prestigious honor solidified his status as one of the greatest shortstops in baseball history. Moreover, in 2014, he was also inducted into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum, cementing his legacy as an integral part of the Cardinals organization.

Overall, Ozzie Smith’s post-MLB career exemplifies his dedication to baseball and his ability to successfully transition to various roles within the industry. From hosting television shows to providing expert commentary, Smith continued to make a significant impact on the sport even after retiring from professional play. His exceptional post-MLB career further solidifies his status as a baseball legend.

Entrepreneurship

Ozzie Smith’s entrepreneurial spirit has led him to venture into various business endeavors, showcasing his diverse skills and interests.

Ozzie Smith Restaurant and Sports Bar

In 1988, Ozzie Smith opened his own restaurant and sports bar, offering a unique dining experience that combines delicious food with a vibrant sports atmosphere. The restaurant has become a popular destination for sports enthusiasts and fans of Smith alike.

Ozzie Smith Youth Sports Academy

In 1990, Ozzie Smith established the Ozzie Smith Youth Sports Academy, providing aspiring young athletes with professional training and guidance in various sports disciplines. The academy strives to foster both athletic skills and leadership qualities, empowering the next generation of sports stars.

Partnership with David Slay and Another Restaurant

Smith’s passion for the culinary world led him to partner with renowned chef David Slay to open another restaurant in the early 2000s. Together, they created a unique dining experience that combines delicious cuisine with a touch of elegance.

Alongside his restaurant ventures, Ozzie Smith has expanded his entrepreneurial reach by launching his own line of salad dressings, providing people with flavorful and healthy options to enhance their meals.

Furthermore, Smith has ventured into the realm of healthcare by opening regenerative medicine clinics throughout Missouri. These clinics aim to provide innovative medical solutions for various health conditions, emphasizing the importance of overall well-being.

Through his entrepreneurial pursuits, Ozzie Smith continues to make a positive impact, not only in the world of sports but also in the realms of dining, youth development, and healthcare.

Personal Life

Ozzie Smith, the legendary baseball player, has had an eventful personal life. Smith was previously married to Denise, and together they have three children – Nikko, Dustin, and Taryn. However, the couple eventually divorced in 1996.

Nikko, one of Smith’s sons, gained recognition when he participated in the reality television competition series “American Idol” in 2005. This further emphasized the talented family’s presence in the entertainment industry.

In 2012, Smith made headlines when he decided to auction off all 13 of his iconic Gold Glove Awards, which he had earned throughout his remarkable career. The auction garnered significant attention, ultimately resulting in the sale of the Gold Gloves for a staggering amount of over $500,000.

FAQ

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