One on One Legend: Ozzie Smith Back-Story

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April 14, 2015

When we created the list for the first 12 shows to re-visit for the Legends series, Ozzie was an obvious selection. Not only a Hall of Famer, but a dynamic, energetic, creative ball player and person who got his start with the Padres and is loved for his amazing and Ahhh inducing plays both in San Diego and later with the St. Louis Cardinals. Jane and Ozzie Smith 2002

I first did the One on One featuring Ozzie in 2002. We did the sit-down interview here in San Diego and then wove in the televised summer ceremony when he was inducted. For the back-story of that experience, you’d enjoy the chapter on Ozzie in my book available here on my website.

For this Legends show, we weren’t able to travel to St. Louis for an on-camera interview, so I coordinated with his assistant and within a few days Ozzie called and we talked for a good 15-20 minutes.  He updated me on the last several years, his involvement as an Education Ambassador with the Hall of Fame, heading up the St. Louis PGA chapter http://www.gatewaypga.org/pgareach and  the Big Brothers Big Sisters www.bbbsemo.org/ help inner-city kids benefit from golf among other things. Thanks to those offices for supplying photos and a PSA to help tell about his current good works.

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I saw Ozzie last at the private memorial service for Tony Gwynn June 2016. My mother was with me, and just like a few other times we’ve seen him at Padres functions over the years, Ozzie greeted me and gave her  a kiss on the cheek. The first time he did that was back in 2002 at Qualcomm stadium. (You can barely see her head between our shoulders in the picture.) He is so genuine and kind to remember and show such respect, too. He was gracious when I thanked him for his kindness.

Even though most of this show is from the original edition, his story is really quite timeless. He is very humble, articulate, appreciative and creative in his presentation. Plus, all those great pictures, highlights and comments from those who knew him on his journey take us back in time and allow us to celebrate the good then and now.