1982 Ozzie Smith St. Louis Cardinals Game-Used & Autographed Home Jersey with Boyer Black Armband

Ozzie Smith’s Iconic Game-Worn Jersey: A Tribute to “The Wizard”

A Legendary Career in Baseball

Ozzie Smith, affectionately known as “The Wizard,” is celebrated for his unparalleled prowess as a shortstop in Major League Baseball. Over his illustrious career, Smith played an astounding 2,511 games at shortstop, setting a National League record. His defensive brilliance earned him the NL Gold Glove Award for an impressive 13 consecutive seasons. A 15-time All-Star, Smith’s offensive contributions were equally remarkable, amassing 2,460 hits and clinching the NL Silver Slugger Award in 1987. His first-ballot induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002 is a testament to his enduring legacy.

The Jersey: A Piece of Baseball History

This particular jersey, worn by Ozzie Smith, is a rare and treasured artifact from his storied career. The jersey features the “Rawlings” manufacturer’s tag with wash instructions and is sized at “38,” accompanied by a flag tag indicating “SET 1 1982.” Across the front, “Cardinals” is elegantly embroidered in red stitch with a blue border, complemented by the iconic “Cardinals on a bat” logo. The player number “1” is prominently displayed on both the front and back, with “O. SMITH” emblazoned across the back in red on navy blue tackle twill.

• Historical Significance: Worn during a pivotal era of Ozzie Smith’s career.
• Iconic Player: Represents one of baseball’s most revered shortstops.
• Unique Features: Includes a restored black armband in memory of Ken Boyer.
• Condition and Authenticity: Shows good game-use with sweat and dirt staining, accompanied by a LOA from JSA.

A Jersey with a Story

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this jersey carries a profound narrative. The black armband on the left sleeve, worn in memory of former coach, player, and manager Ken Boyer, has been meticulously restored, adding a layer of historical depth. Ozzie Smith himself has signed the front of the shirt in black marker, with the signature rating a 9. The jersey exhibits signs of game-use, including sweat and dirt stains, and remains unaltered except for the armband restoration. Notably, there is spray adhesive on the back from framing, further attesting to its display history.

This extraordinary piece is available for enthusiasts and collectors through our baseball memorabilia auctions, offering a unique opportunity to own a fragment of baseball history. For those interested in exploring more about our offerings, visit our homepage or consider our consignment services to share your own pieces of sports history.

In acquiring this jersey, one is not merely obtaining a piece of fabric but a tangible connection to the legacy of Ozzie Smith, a player whose impact on the game transcends statistics and accolades. This jersey stands as a testament to his enduring influence and the indelible mark he left on the sport of baseball.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.